Carolina Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) are energetic little birds and seem to be in motion a lot of the time. When I see them perched, they tend to perch on horizontal branches. I was therefore a little surprised when I saw this chickadee latch onto the vertical stem of a reed and hang there for several seconds in front of me.
It almost seemed like he was deliberately posing for me and I happily captured the chickadee’s portrait during a recent visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to check out the fascinating way that the chickadee is grasping the reed in the photo in a pincer-like grip.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It looks like he’s climbing up that stem.
What a wonderful photograph, Mike!
Looks like the Chickadee has been observing the Wrens.
Nice, clear shot, Mike!
Thanks, Eliza. I am always thrilled when I can get a sharp shot of one of these little birds. 🙂
Great Carolina Chickadee image Mike! Enjoyed seeing it!