98 
THE WINTER FOOD OF THE CHICKADEE 
The birds came, and remained about the orchard nearly all 
winter. They were carefully watched, 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 these 
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. 
