CHICKADEE 231 



crumbs that fall beneath Downy 's table. Dee-dee, with 

 its weak little bill, does not refuse the last-year's aban- 

 doned nest-hole of Downy for a nursery, which is will- 

 ingly surrendered as Downy prefers a new apartment 

 each spring. 



Even before the most venturesome green thing has 

 the courage to thrust its delicate shoot through the cold, 

 damp leaf-mould, the spring song of the male mating 

 Chickadee may be heard, as he busies himself on the 

 under side of a leaning tree, or hangs from the branches 

 in his search for little insects and their larvae. He is a 

 sociable little bundle of pale blue, gray and black, and 

 an intimacy with him is easily established. I know of 

 no bird more willing to meet you half-way in getting ac- 

 quainted. Speak his language, ' ' Dee, dee ! ' ' and you will 

 receive a courteous reply, ' ' Chic-a-dee-dee ! ' ' The formal 

 introduction is now complete. 



I have not found these birds as willing and tame 

 posers for their pictures as the experience of some bird 

 photographers would indicate. Chickadees are ever on 

 the move and a quick shutter movement, one-fiftieth of 

 a second, must be used to stop their restless motions while 

 feeding. They are fond of suet and are easily enticed 

 to the feeding platforms during the winter. 



