Wait for it...
Ya just gotta love Black-capped Chickadees! It was pretty neat watching the pair take turns during this intensely important excavation process. After exiting the cavity, the other bird would enter immediately, just as the above video shows. Demonstrating systematic teamwork, each chickadee released its bits of wood from its bill into the stream from a perch above the water, then patiently wait for the other to exit the cavity.
Unfortunately, this is a rootless log section someone propped against the rock wall. The chickadees claimed it over two weeks ago. However, a few days ago, I caught 3 kids attempting to pick up and toss the log into the stream. Thankfully, I was able to stop them in time. I also emailed Middleton Public Lands because they're planning various bank stabilization projects along the stream corridor. I tagged the log and used a black magic marker to write a note on it not to disturb the chickadees. Now I wonder why I felt obligated to do this at a nature conservancy. Perhaps I shouldn't have done anything and just left the chickadees to their chances.
I also digiscoped this Northern Flicker this morning.
© 2009 Mike McDowell
5 Comments:
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Even with your note trying to help protect the nesting area. I do not trust humans to leave nature alone and just enjoy its wonders. For example, the owners of the building I work in chased a female Canada Goose from her nest today and broke all of her eggs. When questioned they answered, "we do not like the poop they leave on the sidewalk and in the parking lot."
Fun post - thanks, Mike!
I love to watch Chickadees myself. They are always so "busy". :) Great video capture!
Your Northern Flicker pic is top notch. I will never tire of looking at your photos.....such clarity, detail, and brilliant colors.... Gorgeous!
You did the right thing. We humans are the most destructive element in nature, and also the only one that is able to think about protecting it.
I love the pictures, and your ability to go out there and sit and see these things.
Great Flicker capture mike!
and great observation.
I'm lucky enough to be watching a pair excavating in a dead tree right outside my window! However, I haven't seen them for a few days--I'm hoping they didn't give up on it.
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