Chickadee 35 



But the bird's common call is certainly a very pleasing sound 

 in the Winter. While walking through the solemn aisles of 

 some dark wood when the ground was carpeted with snow, the 

 brooks frozen into silence, and the wind chanting unearthly 

 melodies through the trees, I have often found the common 

 notes of the Chickadees sweeter by far to my ears than even 

 the glorious warbling of the Veery in the full flush of the vernal 

 season. 



Chickadee's cheery presence is found in Albany County the 

 entire year. He never migrates and though in severe Winters 

 he may find himself, sometimes, hard pressed for food, he 

 never shows any discontent. After the leaves come out in 

 the Spring he is not so often seen for he has abandoned for the 

 time his merry companions, chosen a mate and gone to 

 housekeeping. His home is set up in the hollow of a 

 deciduous tree which he often excavates himself. As his beak 

 is not very powerful he generally chooses a very much decayed 

 limb in which to bore, ofttimes a crumbling white birch. The 

 nest within the cavity is a perfect marvel. The material mostly 

 used is rabbit's hair, which is gathered along bunny's trails, 

 though other hair, soft vegetable fiber, and moss are used 

 sparingly. All this is woven into a felt-like cup which serves 

 as a soft resting place for the six or eight young. After 

 family cares are over and the fledglings have been launched 

 on the world, Chickadees become gregarious again and by 

 October have resumed their winter habits. 



