4-0 Bird Portraits 



a piece of suet to the branches of trees near the house, not only 

 Chickadees but other birds as well will be attracted to the spot, and 

 will become regular winter visitors. They are by no means confined, 

 however, to villages and farms. Often as we push through the deep 

 snows of the winter forests, the only sound will be the distant lisp 

 of this hardy bird. 



Besides the notes heard so commonly in winter, the Chickadee 

 has a pensive and extremely gentle whistle, which it utters while 

 sitting motionless, and oftener in spring than at other seasons, 

 though it may be heard in every month of the year. It consists 

 of two notes, an exact interval apart, and each accented. It is often 

 mistaken, especially in early spring, for the song of the Phcebe, but 

 it may be distinguished by its purity and sweetness. It is easily 

 imitated by whistling, and the bird will often answer, or even fly 

 toward the person whistling, and survey him with astonishment. 



It is generally believed by people who see the bird only in 

 winter that the Chickadees retire northward in spring; it is true 

 that they then no longer frequent the yards and gardens, but in 

 the woods and retired orchards many a pair have excavated some 

 decaying birch or apple stump, and after lining it warmly with 

 moss and feathers, provided amply for the continuance of their race; 

 sometimes as many as nine eggs are laid. In winter, the birds 

 spend the night in holes, not necessarily the same in which they 

 were bred. 



Several writers have mentioned instances of the extreme bold- 

 ness of this bird; Mr. Chapman has had a Chickadee perch on his 

 hand. One can easily imagine it, but we do not need such a mark 

 of confidence to feel strong affection for this companionable and 

 winter-loving bird. 



