A very common bird in the Midwest, where I grew up. I got to see a lot of them again while visiting Michigan this summer, which was nice.

These little birds are almost universally considered “cute” thanks to its oversized round head, tiny body, and curiosity about everything, including humans. Its habit of investigating people and everything else in its home territory, and quickness to discover bird feeders, make it one of the first birds most people where they are common learn. Like squirrels, they like to hide seeds and other food items to eat later. Each item is placed in a different spot and the chickadee can remember thousands of hiding places.

Learn more about them at: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/overview

This piece is done on a hand-crafted abstract background created with oil and cold wax medium on archival paper mounted on a Gessobord panel.

*****
This painting is a derivation from a photo generously shared by Vern Clooten with permission given for use with unrestricted license. Thank you!