Alvaro wrote:

>An independent test of this is Vancouver Island, where Black-caps are
>absent. My impressions there were that Chestnut-backed Chickadees were much
>more catholic in their habitat choice than in Vancouver (any comments
Bryan).

Al is correct. Thre are no Black-capped, Mountain or Boreal chickadees on
Vancouver Island, although there are one or two extralimtal records of the
first two. I notice Chesnut-backs in virtually any habitats here on the
southern part of the Island. They nest in Uplands Park and in my yard. The
park is solid Gary Oak and my yard was originally that way, but now has a few
conifers in it. The real answer would be to look at our nest records for
the species, concentrating on records of nest where natural cavities are
used, and setting aside those records where nest boxes are used (e.g. my yard
on at least one occasion). I don't have the data, but may be able to find
some information.

Bryan Gates, Victoria
bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca