98 



THE WINTER FOOD OF THE CHICKADEE 



The birds came, and remained about the orchard nearly all 

 winter. They were carefully watclied, it being found that they 

 were feeding on the eggs of the canker-worm moth. A few 

 birds were killed, to determine the number of eggs eaten. 

 Between 200 and 300 canker-worm eggs were found in the 

 stomach of each of these birds. In the spring, the female 

 moths of the spring canker-worm were also devoured by tliese 

 birds. The result was that the chickadees, assisted in spring 

 and early summer by various other birds, saved the orchard 

 from any serious injury by the canker-worms. 



CONCLUSION 



The investigations recorded in this Bulletin, show that the 

 chickadee is one of the best of the farmer's friends, working 

 throughout the winter to subdue the insect enemies of the farm, 

 orchard, and garden. For the efficient service thus rendered 

 the bird asks no pay, although it may be induced to remain 

 more of the time upon the farm premises, if bones or suet are 

 hung in trees where the birds may get it during winter. 



