Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/25

 My Chickadee Family 7 back of a piazza chair which stands in front of a window, evidently with the intention of calling some one out. He still keeps up the habit, and, if no ope happens to notice, will often flutter in front of the window to call attention, or, if unsuccessful there, will try other windows. He seems to feel very much at home on my hand, and usually eats his food there instead of carrying it away as the others mostly do. This bird has been with me for two winters, at least. Last summer he left me about the middle of May and returned some time in August; but this summer he had evidently made up his mind to remain within reach of the food supply. A CHICKADEE FRIEND Early in the spring I noticed that he always came with another bird, which I took to be his mate. She was a shy little thing, but learned to come for a nut when thrown to her. Later in the season I have often seen him carry a nut to her in the tree and then come back for another for himself. On May 19, I saw both birds picking wool from a blanket on the line, but did not discover the nest, although I knew it was not far away. After a time he commenced to carry food (I have not the exact date), but on June 20 he appeared in the tree with six little ones. At first they showed no fear of me, and, when they discovered the source of the food supply, one promptly lighted on my head and another on my shoulder. Evidently such conduct did not meet with the approval of the parent, for he chased them most vigorously whenever they came near me. As they grew older, however, they got to be too many for him, and would fairly mob the poor fellow whenever he appeared. At such times 1 suppose he grew desperate and often fed them from my hand. I saw very little of the mother bird either at this time or later. The