[wisb] Black-capped chickadee nest w/eggs
- From: Rick Pertile <mugzy1960@xxxxxxx>
- To: <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:40:08 -0500
I had somewhat of a surprise this morning when I checked one of my PVC houses
and found a chickadee nest containing the start of a clutch with 4 eggs. This
particular house has been used by chickadees before but has never had eggs
quite this early in past years.
However what I found to be extremely interesting (and this might be old news to
many) was that the female chickadee clearly covers her incomplete clutch when
she leaves the nest. When I first looked in the house and down on the nest I
could clearly see there was no visible nest cup. I was curious then carefully
separated and lifted what almost looked like a "flap" of rabbit fur and moss
which then exposed the 4 eggs.
I had no clue chickadees exhibited this type of behavior and now curious if any
other Passerines do the same? Pretty intelligent I'd say since it clearly
hides the eggs from potential predators. Anyone else ever see this before?
Again probably old news but a first for me and thought it was worth sharing.
Regards,
Rick Pertile
Sawyer County
p.s. Watched a tree swallow busy nest building in a Peterson house on Saturday.
I can't recall for sure but think this is the earliest ever for me in Sawyer
county or very close to it. I know I have another record documented somewhere
that was also very early but don't think it was on or before this date of 4/14.
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- » [wisb] Black-capped chickadee nest w/eggs - Rick Pertile
