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Myrna Pearman Blog

12/4/2018

2 Comments

Alberta Chickadees!

 
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Alberta has four species of chickadees. The most common and abundant species, the Black-capped, is found across the entire province and is a faithful patron at backyard bird feeding stations. The less common and more habitat-specific species is the Boreal Chickadee.  This brownish version of the Black-capped prefers coniferous-dominated woodlands so is seldom seen in open or prairie areas. The Mountain Chickadee is well named because its range is restricted to the mountains and foothills. It resembles the Black-capped but is easy to identify because it sports a distinctive white eyebrow. The fourth species, the Chestnut-backed, is a rarity in Alberta. A bird of the west coast, these buff-colored chickadees occasionally nest as far east as the Waterton area.

Imagine the surprise among the Alberta birding community when a Chestnut-backed Chickadee photo was posted on Facebook by Tom McDonald of Grande Cache in early January 2018.  Up until that point, there were only 15 documented records of this species in the province. Then, on January 7th, three individuals were identified at the feeders of Stan and Keltie Masters near Water Valley.  I was lucky enough to be able to see and photograph these birds (shown here).

The Masters live in a unique area of the province where all three "regular" species occur. What a thrill it was to see all four of Alberta’s chickadee species all at one feeding station.

Who knows where else these chickadees might show up, so be sure to keep an eye on the chickadees that come to your feeders.

The four species shown are Chestnut-backed (left) and (below) Black-capped, Boreal, Mountain Chickadee.


2 Comments
Annie Hutch
24/4/2020 06:16:06 am

hello. I would like to discuss with someone about our dear Chick a dees. I live west of Spruce Grove AB and have not seen any of these birds in 2 weeks. We always have seeds for them, yet they have not been here to feast.
I am concerned for there has never been a time when they have not been around us.
Is this the experience of other people in the area do you know?
Where did they go I wonder?
Anne

Reply
Christine Cyrenne
15/7/2020 06:07:01 pm

Hello Anne, I've been feeding several groups of chickadees for 3 years when I go out for a walk in Northern Ontario, and I have noticed that chickadees kind of go into what I call "stealth mode" in the spring and they are not as vocal as at other times of the year.
(probably so they don't reveal their nest sites to predators). One very helpful resource is Lesley Dunsford and her Youtube channel is LesleytheBirdNerd. She could probably give you a better answer and has many helpful videos.
I love chickadees! Take care
Christine

Reply



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