Camera Critters #100

Happy 100th blogaversary to Camera Critters!!

have to share this wonderful story I read in the latest Birder's World magazine.

Alaska story: Chickadee revives fallen mate

Dear Birder's World: The following is an account of an unusual and inspiring event I witnessed at my home when I lived in Alaska.

On March 29, 2008, I heard a thud against our picture window. I knew right away it was a bird. On some instances, I've taken birds in by the heater where they can revive. But on this day, I went to the window and just stared out. There on a patch of snow lay a chickadee on its side looking dead. One by one, three or four chickadees came to peck at the bird's beak and then its side. Suddenly, the chickadee rolled onto its back with its fee straight up in the air. I was sure it was dead. Then, one lone chickadee flew down and pecked at its beak, then pecked and paused at its side.

The pecking chickadee flew up in the air and hovered over the 'dead' chickadee, slowly lowering itself until its talons were linked to those of the chickadee on the ground. It lifted the 'dead' chickadee about one foot in the air, and it came to life. They unlocked talons and flew over to a mossy stump. The healer bird pecked at the other's beak and nestled against its side. They both flew off together.

Lorraine Stone

Jackson, New Hampshire