Hand-Feeding Chickadees: An Ottawa-Tailored Guide
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the Jack Pine Trail in autumn
Tranquility. It's not typically a word you’d expect to lead a blog about “finding fun,” but if you join me for this quiet detour, you’ll find one of the most rewarding experiences in Ottawa.
Chickadees!
No, this isn’t about birdwatching with binoculars. I’m talking about birds coming and landing right on your outstretched hand. Many find connecting with nature therapeutic—interacting with animals directly even more so. And no, you don’t have to be a Disney character to pull this off, trust me. I’ll give you some tips so even first-timers will have the Chickadees eating from their hands within a few minutes of arriving.
Signs and maps guide you along
Location, Location, Location
Ottawa makes no secret of its expansive Greenbelt and the trails throughout—in fact, we’ve previously posted about some of the best trails for biking.
But let’s say you’re not in the mood to just zip through the trails. Or the chillier weather has you hanging up the bike for winter. Or maybe you’re looking for something you can do with the kids and grandparents simultaneously.
Well, I have just the paths for you. Nestled south of Bells Corners (east of Bridlewood) is a collection of NCC trails where the birds have become accustomed to people coming and feeding them. These paths have hundreds of volunteer-filled bird feeders all along their winding routes, but the real attraction is how birds will come right up to your outstretched hand.
Within the Stony Swamp area, the Lime Kiln Trail and Jack Pine Trail are beautifully maintained with boardwalks and relatively level terrain. These trails are by no means difficult to hike, so almost anyone of any age or fitness level can do them.
From October to November, the Chickadees are preparing for winter and are extra ravenous.
What to Bring
Sunflower seeds. They’re the favourite of Chickadees.
A convenient, easy-to-carry container or zip-lock baggy to bring the seeds.
Water and human snacks, so you can stay as long as you want.
Your phone or a good camera to capture the memories.
(Optional) Binoculars.
Don’t bring dogs, even leashed. Sorry, but Fido needs to stay home for this one, or else the birds won’t come near.
Always make sure you are dressed for the weather and are wearing comfortable outdoor shoes.
Make sure to use black oil sunflower seeds meant for birds. Don’t use sunflower seeds meant for human snacking.
You won’t find much success attracting Chickadees with Nyjer or other mixed bird seed blends. But if you bring some, be sure to leave a few handfuls in the numerous feeders along the way for the other, shier birds in the forest.
Palm the seeds like this
What to Look For
As you make your way along the paths, keep an ear out.
When you hear the telltale “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, you know you’re in the right spot to stop.
There may also be some feeders or even some seeds left by other trail-goers, signalling a good place to try.
But if seeds are available on rocks or in feeders, Chickadees may choose to grab those seeds over the ones in your hand.
Get the sunflower seeds out and look around for brush or low branches near the path.
Chickadees prefer to land at a safe branch nearby to scope you out first, so don’t stand in an area that’s too open.
Extend your arm like this
What to Do
Sometimes, the Chickadees are bold and will surround you on nearby branches before you even extend your hands.
Either way, you’ll want to put a small amount of seeds on your palm and extend your arm away from your body.
You can choose to either sit or stand as long as you’re calm and remain still.
The most important thing is to remain patient.
Sudden or abrupt movements and noises can startle the Chickadees.
But don’t worry too much if you accidentally make some. If you wait quietly, they’ll get comfortable around you again.
A chickadee landing amongst the dappled light of a cedar grove
The Magic
Before you know it, the flaps of Chickadee wings as they dart to and fro will lead to the feeling of their tiny feet on your fingers as they land.
They’ll only stay for a very short moment, enough to pick a seed or two from your palm before they dart away.
Stay still and calm, as exciting as it is to have success. If you want to talk, do so in a relaxed, conversational tone.
Remember to leave some seeds on rocks and railings as you move along, or you can refill some of the feeders.
And enjoy the cute birds!
If you have several people with you, the Chickadees might favour one person for reasons known only to them. Don’t be jealous or let it discourage you. Find a different spot further away and see if they follow.
Some Sights and Sounds
A Chickadee flies in for a close up
Not just Chickadees are around, Nuthatches will land on you, too
A Chickadee lands on my hand near the Lime Kiln Trail’s ruins
A Few More Shots
Wrapping Up the Experience
I’m no photographer, but on one trip, I took hundreds of shots of Chickadees and Nuthatches landing on my hands. You’ll probably want to take photos, too.
If you’re an animal or nature lover, an introvert looking for a peaceful afternoon, or just looking for some incredible Instagram shots, then this adventure is for you. I really can’t recommend enough that you experience for yourself the unique delight that comes from these cute little birds choosing to land right on your hand.
Hunter Leclerc Brown (he/him) is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), born and raised in Ottawa. He is a professional writing student at Algonquin College, class of 2025. A lifelong sci-fi nerd, gamer, and martial artist, he’s now an aspiring author.
You’ll find him most days with a coffee, a good book, and snuggling with his cats.
