← Handbook of nature-study for teachers and parents, Volume 1
Chapter 30
Lesson XIII
The Chickadee
Leading thought—The chickadee is as useful as it is delightful; it remains in the North during winter, working hard to clear our trees of insect eggs and singing cheerily all day. It is so friendly that we can induce it to come even to the window sill, by putting out suet to show our friendly interest.
Methods—Put beef fat on the trees near the schoolhouse in December and replenish it afresh about every two or three weeks. The chickadees will come to the feast and may be observed all winter. Give the questions a few at a time and let the children read in the bird books a record of the benefits derived from this bird.
Observations—1. Where have you seen the chickadees? What were they doing? Were there several together?
2. What is the common song of the chickadee? What other notes has it? Have you heard it yodle? Have you heard it sing “fe-bee, fee-bee.” How does this song differ from that of the phœbe-bird? Does it sing on the wing or when at rest?
3. What is the color of the chickadee: Top and sides of head, back, wings, tail, throat, breast, under parts?
Compare size of chickadee with that of English sparrow.
4. What is the shape of the chickadee’s bill and for what is it adapted? What is the food in winter? Where does the bird find it? How does it act when feeding and hunting for food?
5. Does the chickadee usually alight on the ends of the branches or on the larger portions near the trunk of the tree?
6. How can you distinguish the chickadees from their companions, the nuthatches?
7. Does the chickadee ever seem discouraged by the snow and cold weather? Do you know another name for the chickadee?
8. Where does it build its nest? Of what material? Have you ever watched one of these nests? If so, tell about it.
9. How does the chickadee benefit our orchards and shade trees? How can we induce it to feel at home with us and work for us?
Supplementary reading—“Foster Baby,” Nestlings of Forest and Marsh; “Ch’-geegee-lokh-sis,” Ways of Wood Folk; “Why a Chickadee Goes Crazy,” Animal Heroes, Seton; “The Titmouse,” a poem, by Emerson.