This afternoon I was treated to a rare experience - a single chickadee at the feeder for more than three hours.
Usually numerous chicks are flitting in and out. With the single one today I was able to observe a routine.
A cycle, repeated over and over, lasted about a minute.
Mr Chickadee stood aside on a tree branch, scoping out the seeds, then dropped over to select one. I don't know how the selection was determined, but after mouthing a few the chickadee flew with one to a nearby tree, pinned the seed between his wirey toes and the tree branch and proceeded to peck the hell out of the shell until it was shredded and tossed away.
Then the bird, clutching the inner seed, disappeared into the thick forest of spruce, pine, and balsam.
I believe the little character stashed the fruit out of my sight, and then flew back to resume his life's calling, the endless challenge to survive and make a good life.
Chickadees are inspiring.