I spent Thanksgiving Day at my Moms house in Fair Hill. She lives in the middle of there property which is around 125 acres of mostly woodland. Their house is under a large stand of Loblolly Pines which really bring the birds in. Most of her Chickadees are now Black-capped. Probably 20 plus birds,it is real cool. About 8 or 10 years ago when the Black-capped Chickadees came down, I noticed how tame the birds were. My son Drew, often heard stories from me about how tame they were. So when we were visiting today, I grabbed a scoop of oil sunflower seeds and approached the feeder. They almost immediately started landing in the cup I was holding. So my son, who is 13 was so taken by that, came out and started holding the cup. He was just blown away that a wild bird would land on something he was holding. About an hour later, he was still out there, again just amazed how the Chickadees were so friendly. Even both species of Nuthatches were dive bombing him, tempted by his sunflowers. I went back out snapping some pics, and then grabbed a hand full of seeds holding my hand out to the chickadee's. Like it was nothing, they started landing in my hand. Drew then followed and before he knew it, his patience paid off and he had a wild bird eating out of his hand. I was so impressed on how quick he learned the difference between the two Chickadee's. Their call was real distinctive to him, but he could tell by looking at them as well. He was pointing out how much larger the Black-capped Chickadee's looked to him, especially their head. Also including how deep and slow the call was. He is now a professional chickadee identifier. I really got some great shots of a moment that will last in our memories for ever. I think birding will start to look a little more interesting to him as well. Even my own family doesn't always understand there nutty Dad chasing birds all over the state, but I think he is a little closer to going over the edge. Or at least I hope.
By the way, great find on the Flycatcher. I hope it won't freeze or starve.
Sean McCandless
Elkton, MD