The Lion's Pride Volume 9 (January 2018) | Page 44

any potential spring chicks warm and snuggly through the chilly spring
nights. Another thing I provide is a source of fresh water. A generous-
sized birdbath, which gets washed and filled regularly, sits next to the
birdhouse.
Now comes the waiting. I keep a vigilant eye in anticipation of a
potential nesting couple. When I hear their chickadee-dee call, or see
little black-capped birds near the birdhouse, I hold my breath in
anticipation. Is this pair interested? They fly from branch to branch. Are
they checking out the house?
I recall how excited I got when, last year, a pair finally settled down
in my house. I excitedly watched them build their nest. As they were
delivering the nesting material to the birdhouse, they looked like little
balls popping in and out of the round entrance hole. Before I knew it, I
heard the soft sound of chirping emanating for the birdhouse. The chicks
had hatched! And, my favorite part had begun: feeding time. The new
parents flew back and forth, bringing a variety of bugs, ranging from
green caterpillars to little white flies.
Since I have had success with this particular birdhouse design, I hope
to use it again. If you are also interested in having the Black-capped
Chickadee reside in your yard, you need to be aware of their very
specific nesting needs. The inside dimensions, hole size, and hole
placement are critical. Below is a drawing that includes these specific
details. If you follow them, along with my other advice, you will