The snow had just started to fall this morning as I lounged on the sofa, sipping my coffee. A swoop outside the window caught my attention. A Red-tailed Hawk sat high in the branches of the birch tree. I ran for my camera, but he was gone when I returned to the window. I was disappointed to have missed the shot.
Then I noticed something lying on the feeder. Looking closer, it appeared to be a dead Chickadee draped over the wire of the cage around the seed. (I didn’t take a photo, but it was in the exact location as the bird in the above picture.) I dashed out the door in my nightshirt, pulling on boots as I went. When I rounded the corner, I realized that the hawk hadn’t left but moved from the birch to the fir tree. Upon seeing me, it took off in flight through the woods.
As I approached the feeder, the Chickadee’s eye popped open, and it looked at me – still draped over the wire. We stared at each other for a few moments before I reached up to gather up its limp body – only to have it hop up and fly off with a twitter.
I had no idea that birds “played dead,” but the interweb says that the habit is not uncommon when in extreme danger. Five minutes later, the feeders were full of birds – Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, Goldfinches, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and a Blue Jay.
That’s one smart chickadee.
I witnessed a hawk swoop in & capture a cardinal that was eating at my feeder a few years ago. Part of the cycle of life but it’s very hard to see.
smart bird!
Ooooh, yes, scary and wonderful to watch wild life
I am so happy you went to the chickadee. That must have been a massively surprising experience.
Hawks are fierce hunters. Your photos are always spectacular
Neat story–am so glad for you and the little bird that all came out well in the end–and that you probably scared off the hawk for the day so every little birdie could eat and be happy and safe!!!!
hugs, di
I am glad the bird was okay. You saved it by going out.
Beautiful photo’s to ‘lift the spirits’. Thank you Susan.
Smart Chickadee….I had not heard of them doing this, but glad that the hawk didn’t get it. I have a sharp-shinned hanging around my feeders right now.