Took this photo of a black-capped last weekend by am sharing it now because I've just been listening to one giving a persistent 'gargle call'), described by Lang Elliot as "a rapid, gargling sputter of notes sounding like tseedleedeet or t'slink-rrrrr.

Elliot also tells us that 'gargle calls' are given during aggressive encounters or chases. You can hear this gargle call at the Wikipedia link below (scan far down the page).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-capped_Chickadee

This Wikipedia article also indicates that the gargle call in often given 'when feeding', which suits my situation here exactly. Since the sunflower seed tray needs refilling--the situation among the birds is tense!

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne