Hmm. We live in Woodinville, at around 500 ft, and have an abundance of
both Black-capped Chickadees and Chestnut-backed. They interact absolutely
harmoniously around here. I've never seen territorialism or aggression
between the species. In fact, I'll commonly see them feeding at the same
time, from the same feeder.

But then again, maybe my birds aren't indicative. YMMV.

-Jacki Bricker
Woodinville, Washington

-----Original Message-----
From: TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu
[mailto:TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu]On Behalf Of Bruce Moorhead
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2000 10:31 AM
To: Tweeters
Cc: Bob Norton; Bob Boekelheide
Subject: Two species of chickadees at feeder


We live in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mts. at about 900 ft.
elev. in mixed conifer-pasture habitat. Until the other day I've never
noticed anything but Chestnut-Backed Chickadees at our feeder. On 4/10/00
at ca. 6pm I noticed 2 Black-Capped Chickadees in the shrubs & low trees
adjoining the feeder, & then saw one of them go to the feeder. Shortly
thereafter, I sensed a small commotion and noticed the "resident" CB
Chickadees apparently chasing the BCs. I assume others obs. these
conspecifics together near feeders in the region--do they interact
similarly? Curious to know your experiences.

Bruce Moorhead
Port Angeles, WA
(bruceb at olypen.com)