We used to see them a lot around the house here. Since the crazy cat lady moved in though, they are scarce. I hear the grey squirrels scolding the cats a lot though
I like chippies too. I was at the beach and there was an undersized little bird, a Sanderling sitting on the beach. Now they normally run up and down the beach like little wound up toys. This one was sitting. I walked up to it - I mean 2' feet away, It stood up, was kind of on the small size, probably a young one from this year. He or she just sat and listened to me ask if it was ok. I walked away and watched it for awhile while I was detecting and it finally flew off. Probably it's first migration from the Arctic. Must have been tired but the little beast did not run from me. I must be special.