Black-capped Chickadee
They're tiny.
They're friendly.
And they're constantly talking about you.
Most people know chickadees from their cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call, but they don't realize those little birds are keeping track of everything happening in the forest.
When a hawk appears overhead, a fox sneaks through the woods, or an owl settles into a tree, chickadees sound the alarm. Other birds listen. Red squirrels listen. Even deer may react.
Scientists have discovered that chickadees can even change the number of "dees" in their call depending on how dangerous the predator is.
The forest is having a conversation-you just have to know when to listen.
A chickadee weighs about the same as a handful of paper clips, yet can remember hundreds of places where it has hidden seeds.
Next time you're at the lake...
Listen for chickadees as you walk.
If they suddenly become excited-or suddenly go quiet-stop for a minute.
You might discover that the forest has noticed something before you have.