TWEETERS:

I cannot resist the lure of the dreaded chickadee thread!

I've had a "satellite" sunflower feeder hanging from our deck for more than
thirty years. This seemed the only answer to feeding critters we didn't
want, especially designer rats (Eastern Gray Squirrels). Our chief
beneficiaries are BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, occasional RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES and a very brainy HOUSE FINCH who, instead of grabbing a seed and
flying away, sticks the whole front of his body into the hole in the feeder
and gorges himself, leaving behind all the husks. I have actually been able
to creep up on him as he feeds and touch his tail.

A few times every winter we see CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES here. They seem
to watch their Black-capped cousins busy at the feeder, then hover around it
trying unsuccessfully to figure it out. In a short time they give up and
disappear for months, coming back only to repeat the sad (for me) ritual.
This has been going on for many years, so I know it's not just the same
"dumb" individuals who are unable to figure it out. Despite my yelling
encouragement to them, they just can't get the technique.

I wonder if anyone else has had similar experiences with these birds and/or
can hazard a guess as to why this sorry state of affairs exists here.

Thanks,

David Chelimer
seattle
chelimer at earthlink.net