Not long since I visited the deserted nest of a devoted pair of chickadees. It was cuddled down in the bottom of a hole that opened on the very top of a fence post, and, one would imagine, must have been wet more than once while inhabited. However, a large family was raised there during the past season and much enjoyment was derived from watching the many fubsy birdlings that found home and comfort in that unattractive retreat. I looked upon them with special interest, for I was sure they would visit the suet on my trees this winter and thus become friendly neighbors.
As soon as the trees are bare, nail or tie bits of suet to branches which may be observed from your windows. I know of no investment which pays such enormous dividends both to pleasure and pocket as do suet restaurants in orchards patronized by chickadees. Every child, at home or school, will be attracted by this experiment.
Questions on the Chickadee.
1. Describe the colors of the chickadee above; below; wings; tail; throat and head.
2. Describe the differences in coloring between the chickadee and the nuthatch.
3. What is the shape of the chickadee's beak and for what is it adapted?
4. Does it frequent the trunks of trees, or the twigs?
5. Describe its actions when hunting for food on a twig.
6. What is the chief food of the chickadee?
7. Why is it of special value to the farmer?