From my research the seed balls of the Sweet Gum (or Sweetgum, depending on where you read) tree should be empty of seeds by mid fall.
Clearly this tree didn’t follow the program and several Carolina Chickadees were feeding in its upper branches on this mid-January day.
The dried pod stems are still quite sturdy, although this little bird doesn’t weigh much at 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g) per All About Birds.
If you’ve ever touched one of these balls you’ll likely remember; those spikes are quite sharp.
Fellow blogger Mike Powell has captured similar scenes in Virginia where there is overlap in both the tree and the bird, including his post Acrobatic Chickadee
Cool shots, Ellen. It’s wonderful to note that you are observing the same birds doing the same things as I am. Chickadees are pretty small and it is not easy to photograph them. 🙂
Thanks, Mike. I thought that was interesting, too—I just measured the distance as about 500 miles to your favorite photography place, an amazing amount of similarity!
I am working on another post that shows the Chickadee’s tiny prize for all this work. It’s no wonder they have to feed continuously.
I love how it is hanging on the sweet gum ball!
It’s amazing to watch these little birds dangle at all angles, with evidently no fear that the whole thing will let go!
They are truly tuff and moving instantly around all the time, well done.
Yes, they are like perpetual motion machines and very speedy. Thanks, Hans!