Carolina Chickadees Compete for Nesting Spot

Recently, I’ve been captivated by the beautiful wildlife in my backyard. Yesterday, I shared a blog post about a couple of Eastern Bluebirds that were checking out my birdhouse. Today, I am thrilled to report that a pair of Carolina Chickadees also made an appearance and were captured in my wildlife photography.

Carolina Chickadees Check Out My Birdhouse
Carolina Chickadees Check Out My Birdhouse

I was surprised to see the Carolina Chickadees investigating the same birdhouse that the Eastern Bluebirds were interested in. I had assumed that the Bluebirds would have scared the smaller birds away, but to my delight, they coexisted harmoniously.

As I watched the Chickadees move in and out of the birdhouse, I couldn’t help but wonder if they were planning to nest there. I later discovered that Carolina Chickadees are native to Arkansas and often nest in tree cavities, birdhouses, and shrubs. Their nests are typically made of moss, fur, and plant fibers and can hold up to eight eggs.

After the Chickadees departed from the birdhouse, the male Eastern Bluebird appeared and examined the property. Despite the Chickadees’ interest in the birdhouse, I have a hunch that the Bluebirds will ultimately prevail and raise their offspring in it.

I feel so grateful to have witnessed the unique behavior of these beautiful birds and to have captured them in my wildlife photography. It’s truly a privilege to be able to observe these creatures up close and to learn more about their habits and habitats.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R7
  • Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: Lavaca (Arkansas)
  • Date and Time Taken: March 3, 2023 (10:12 A. M.)
  • Exposure Mode: Manual
  • Aperture: f8
  • Shutter speed: 1/1000
  • ISO: 640 (Auto)
  • Exposure Bias: -4/3
  • Focal Length: 500 mm