CHESTNUT BACKED CHICKADEE.

The song of the chickadee is one of the most common bird notes heard on the winter woods. Every since the snows came there has been an unusual number of the chestnut backed variety about. On certain days the woods are full of them. On rainy days in winter chickadees are particularly noticable among the dripping fir boughs as they search the tips of the twigs for insect food. They are fascinating little folk, full of energy, always cheerful, and with the appearance of a great deal of inteligence. Chickadees are clever gymnasts, often working upside down and turning about the swaying twigs with utter unconcern. They are about the size of wrens but appear heavier, gray with darker tail and wings and a black cap and 'dickey'. The Chestnut backed is destinguished at a glance from the more common Mountain and Oregon Chickadees by its reddish-brown back and sides.