A sweet little backyard bird is the Black-Capped Chickadee. They can be very bold around people often landing on and feeding from your hand if you stand patiently still.
Black-Capped Chickadees are the State Bird of Massachusetts so it is fitting that I took these photos in my own backyard.
They belong to the Titmouse family and 70% of their food is insects. The rest of the time they are around bird feeders spreading delight.
Both male and females look the same. Usually male birds are more colorful or distinctly larger than females.
This link will bring you to a site where you can hear their song and get more information.
http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=12
Chickadees stay in their region all year round. I pay special attention to keeping my feeder full when winters are harsh here in Massachusetts. If freezing temperatures are maintained for long periods, I put out bowls of warm water. Dehydration is a concern for wintering birds.
Since their song is so very recognizable, I introduce my day care kids to listening for it.
Introducing kids to identifying birds by their songs is a great way to expand their listening skills and ,of course, further an appreciation for Nature.
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Sillyfrog's Blog 
aaw what a pretty bird!
They are…thanks!
O’ they’re one of my favorite birds! I’ve had them eat out of my hands before:) Too cute…
They are so cheerful that I am always uplifted by their presence!
Same w/ me 🙂
Take care not to have a too deep bowl with water in the winter otherwise the birds will take a bath and die from pneumonia. In the summer a deeper bath is lovely.
Here are our garden birds, see…we have a Black Capped Chickadee too:
http://mindfuldrawing.com/2011/01/29/winter-garden-birds/
Your photo’s are lovely.
Paula
Important warning! Thank-you so much for adding to this information…:-)
I actually do not know if birds will take a bath in the winter, but I was warned so I pass the warning on…out of bird-love, you know.
I do not know how to attach Pingbacks. I allow them and if you are able to attach them from your end, feel free to.I’ve come a long way but have much to learn!
We have these all over Seattle. You’re right, they’re very bold, almost fearless. On a nice day, if you sit down outside to enjoy lunch, they beg almost like dogs, or maybe they keep you company in exchange for whatever crumbs you drop. They’re mostly appreciated, because (as people keep telling me) they eat mosquitoes.
Any bug eater is a friend of mine too! You put it so poetically that they exchange their company for crumbs …I’m adding you immediately. Like your style. ~Susan
Why, thank you kindly!
I love chickadees. They are so cute and friendly 🙂
Gosh birds are wonderful…my day is always brightened by them.~Susan
I was entertained at the breakfast table every morning this past winter with the quail and chickadees.
I suspect that you are often entertained with the delightful “little things” that others often miss. 😉
He’s a tiny bit like our little Black Caps. They feed on our windowsill and are quite confident little birds.
I call that a Napoleon complex…”Little Big Birds”. 😉
Love this. I have them here and never knew what kind of bird it is.
So happy to share tidbits of nature knowledge! Appreciate your comments and thanks again for the treasured award.~Susan