Piped a tiny voice hard by,
Gay and polite, a cheerful cry,
” Chic-chicadee-dee! ” Saucy note
Out of a sound heart and a merry throat,
As if it said, ” Good day, good sir.
Fine afternoon, old passenger!
Happy to meet you in these places
When January brings new faces! “

Ralph Waldo Emerson

While I do so love my little house sparrows, because they are impossibly adorable and never fail to cheer me up, there’s something special about the cute little black-capped chickadees that visit the window feeder every day.

We took the Christmas tree down early just so I can spend my mornings back at the bay window watching them all again. The chickadees are just so happy and they also seem a little less timid than the sparrows or the finches.

They seem more curious than shy and I can get closer to them with the camera than I can the others, for sure!

The sparrows are friendly enough and tolerate me being pretty close to the window while they eat, but as soon as they see me pull the camera out they always flee right away, as if I am going to actually shoot them. 😄

Once in awhile I can sneak a good shot in, but I do have to be stealthy about it.

Also, the swans have returned and have been doing daily fly-bys again! I have caught a few pictures of them in the last few days and this weekend I hope we’ll see them up in Island Park when we take the pups running (if the weather permits).

I am pretty sure that’s where they go to bed down, although I don’t know why when we have plenty of good spots right here in the valley for them. Maybe they like the long commute?

Who knows, but I’m so glad they’re back because on chilly days like today when I have no choice but to stay inside or risk freezing to death, it’s a lovely distraction.

Like the chickadees! ❤