Jack,

It looks like one of the positions birds assume when sunning. They often close or partially close the eye pointing upward. They put their body in an unusual position, seemingly to let the sun heat up parts of their plumage. It is thought to have a number of possible functions. Here is a website with more details:

http://birding.about.com/od/birdbehavior/a/Bird-Sunning.htm

Dennis


On Apr 8, 2012, at 10:27 AM, Jack Stephens wrote:

> At Juanita Bay Park yesterday, I was able to follow a Marsh Wren as it worked the edge of the lake gleaning for food. Suddenly it stopped, cocked its head to one side, and held that position for several minutes. It as notable how still it was compared to its usual level of activity. I assume this is a defensive posture, all the better to see predators overhead, but it something I have never seen a bird do before. Below is a picture of what I am trying to describe. Any ideas on what it was doing?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jack Stephens
> jstephens62 at comcast.net
> Edmonds, WA
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrs_eons/6911169238/in/photostream
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-----
Dennis Paulson
1724 NE 98 St.
Seattle, WA 98115
206-528-1382
dennispaulson at comcast.net