When I was a child - one of my dad's hunting buddies has a place in the country. His chickadees would eat out of your hand as well. I remember the first time one landed on my fingers - how enthralled I was with the tiny creature. And so began my love of wildbirds. My MIL had humming bird feeders as well as suet & seed variety. She fed all year long. Every home I've owned has sported a bird feeder - of each type. This is the first year I've had chickadees on a regular in NC. I switched up my seeds to have more sunflower seeds in them and after reading your piece - I'm sure this is why my feeder is the new 'hot spot' in town for dinner. Thank you for the beautiful photos & the lovely piece.