Carolina Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) are small and active, so I rarely get a clear view of one of them, especially during the times of the year when there are leaves on the trees. Last week I was happy to get some photos of this chickadee at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge as I was searching for warblers.
The leaves in the first two images and the tiny acorns in the final photo provide indications of the change in seasons. Temperatures are really dropping as we approach the end of September and the leaves are just beginning to change colors. In my area, unfortunately, the leaves mostly tend to turn brown—the fall foliage is definitely not as bright and vibrant as the colors in New England, where I was born and grew up.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Chickadees are among my favorite birds. I have a pair that nested somewhere near this year, and they’ve been regular visitors to my feeders. They are quick, and they never linger. They snatch up their sunflower seed, then fly off to a branch to enjoy their treat.
From here in Florida, I appreciate the chance to “vicariously” enjoy your autumn foliage!
Carolina Chickadees are usually the first to announce our presence in the woods. They hang around with members of the Tufted Titmouse gang and aggressively challenge us from the thick foliage.
Nice photos, Mike!
It’s interesting that you mentioned the Tufted Titmice, because this chickadee was with a small group that included them. I am not good at identifying most birds by their calls, but I can definitely identify a Tufted Titmouse.
How sweet.
Thanks, Susan. I really like these little birds.
I was thinking we don’t have chickadees, but after seeing your post, I looked them up and we do have two types of Poecile – of the marsh and the willow. Their common name here does not fly, so to speak, where you are, but chickadee has a lovely ring to it.
Whenever I hear the word “chickadee,” I always think of the 1940 film “My Little Chickadee” that starred W.C. Fields and Mae West. Here is a link to the trailer for that film, in case you are not familiar with it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Vp23EpguY. 🙂
I love chickadees!
Me too. 🙂