photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
reflectionsofnature | all galleries >> Galleries >> Nesting Time > Black-capped Chickadee Eggs
previous | next
20-MAY-2013

Black-capped Chickadee Eggs

Today I checked a number of the nest boxes I watch over. For the past couple of years a pair of tree swallows has faithfully nested in one box but this year they moved to another box and a chickadee has claimed their old box. I checked the boxes two weeks ago, recognized the swallow nest in its new location (they always seem to finish their nests with duck feathers) but didn't know what made the mossy cup nest in their old box. When I opened up that box this morning a chickadee popped out. Now I know! It had 8 eggs. I then found a second chickadee nest in another box with 7 eggs for a total of 15 chickadee eggs and 5 eggs in the tree swallow box. No House Wrens this year (so far) but lots of wasps (which I have been cleaning out). One box had an infestation of ants that I left alone. I didn't feel like sticking my hands in there!


other sizes: small medium original auto
share
Richard Waters23-May-2013 22:51
Well worth all of the effort! Keep the documentation coming.
pkocinski21-May-2013 12:24
What a wonderful surprise!
Fletcher Wildlife Garden21-May-2013 01:52
Beautiful shot! Mossy nests in cavities or bird boxes are a dead giveaway that a chickadee has been at work. Such intricate little nests. And look at those speckled eggs.
Hank Vander Velde20-May-2013 20:23
Very nice find, image and description Chris.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment