This last Saturday, I noticed what appeared to be a Mountain Chickadee at
our feeder. The striking lack of flank color and large cheek patch were
the initial markings that caught my eye. I had an email exchange with
Michael Hobbs regarding Mountain Chickadees in the area, and he alerted me
to the possibility of aberrantly plumaged Black-Capped Chickadees. I
looked at the posted photos of those and other sites with photos of
presumed hybrids, and I am very certain that I have Mountains visiting my
feeder.

Since Sunday, my mixed hourly flock now consists of two Mountain
Chickadees, along with the two other chickadee species and a single
Red-Breasted Nuthatch. Interestingly, this is the first year I've seen the
Chestnut-Backeds hanging out with the Black-Cappeds, rather than bushtits.
With a little bit of luck, I'll keep the MCs interested for two more days
when I expect my friend can get a better picture than my wimpy little
camera captured.

For anyone curious about the aberrantly plumaged BCC, here is the link
Michael provided:

http://www.marymoor.org/Galleries/MOCH.htm


Doreen Gillespie
Redmond
dorgilles at gmail.com
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