I had been watching a sapsucker surveying its trees (image right) when I realized that there was something even more interesting in the vicinity: Chestnut-backed Chickadees were ferrying grubs to their cavity nest. Although the chicks have yet to be seen, the feeding behaviour was unmistakable.
This picture is a composite of two shots of the same chickadee first bringing a grub to its nest, and then, flying off to fetch more. Parenthood is an unending job of providing food and comfort.
The previous day had been sunny. I initially thought that there was only a single bird flying in to feed a mate that was incubating eggs. This speculation was abandoned when both mates were seen coming and going with food. Clearly, ravenous chicks had hatched.
The parents were often seen together as they tended the nest.
I love chickadees – who doesn’t? And I love the composite photo, the light through the wings. I wonder how that one lost feather affects flight. Obviously not much!
Thanks Alistair – both for sharing this and for the great photos. I have posted this on the “Kokanee Creek Nature Centre” Facebook page and on the “Kokanee Creek Provinicial Park Bird Checklist” Facebook Page.
So tender!