chestnut chickadee miniature
June 16, 2015
The Chestnut-backed Chickadee uses lots of fur in making its nest, with fur or hair accounting for up to half the material in the hole.
nwnature.net
Rabbit, coyote, and deer hair are most common, but hair from skunks, cats, horses, or cows appears in nests as well. The adults make a layer of fur about a half-inch thick that they use to cover the eggs when they leave the nest. (source: allaboutbirds.org)
© René Corado / WFVZ
What’s not to like about these chittery, agile, and nimble bits of joy–so accommodating, they’re willing to eat out of an uplifted palm. At feeders, they flit in, impetuously seize a seed, cock their heads and in a mercurial moment are pounding the life out of their shell-encased prize, hammering against a solid branch.
“Chestnut Chickadee”, 2.54cm x 2.54cm (1″ x 1″), watercolour on Arches Hot Press Paper, sold
When annoyed, they chee-chee-chee-chee at any feeder chaos, curtly muscle back in, and sprightly dart back up to pummel their sunflower seed in privacy.
weisserwatercolours 
Hi Lance, I’ve nominated you on my blog for a Versatile Blogger Award. (If you don’t feel like passing on the award, I won’t be offended at all). I enjoy what you do here, and am glad to have the opportunity to spread the word about your blog – hope that’s ok!
LikeLike
Thank you ‘simply painting’! If you have an interest in doing wee paintings, the frames are easily gotten through miniartsupply.biz in Maryland. She quickly sends them here and I wouldn’t otherwise have such a gourmet selection of miniature frames.
LikeLike
wow. dryer lint. now that IS resourceful. what baby bird wouldn’t want to be swaddled in dryer lint, now I ask you (smile) thank you Teri!
LikeLike
Love how you framed this!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful little bird! So interesting about the nesting material. I once found a hummingbird nest where dryer lint was used. Birds are so resourceful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh thank you, Sharon–I enjoy your own blogpost today so much
LikeLike
hahaha–yes, here is a bird which actually makes the exact sound of its name, and delightfully so. they are so delightful, eh?
LikeLike
That tiny, exquisite bird deserves a tiny, exquisite painting.
Chick-a-dee-dee-dee……..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful small portrait to honor the chestnut chickadee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful frame job on this as well. I don’t know, Lance…..I think I need more miles on my paintbrush to be able to tackle something like this. I think working small may work for me though, in the long run. Nice to know they sell well! Have you done any miniature landscape work?
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you!!! yes, I do love doing miniature birds because of the challenge. I had to go out and buy a pair of those reading glasses at the pharmacy–very strong ones–in order to see more closely what I am doing. They sell well, too. Please do try and see what you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
1×1?! Wow! Do you prefer miniature paintings? Amazing work, Lance!
LikeLiked by 1 person