There are times when I take a photo, upload it to my computer, open it to view it on my screen, and my breath gets taken away. This Blue Jay portrait did that.
Blue Jay portrait with a glowing background – Nikon D500, f10, 1/500, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The glowing background is a big part of the reason why I did a double take when I viewed this Blue Jay image.
That glowing background? It is distant, out-of-focus pine straw being kissed by the early morning sunlight in my friend Steve Creek’s yard. That spot is just one of several stands of pine in Steve’s yard.
The beautiful background wasn’t the only thing that caught my eye in this photo. The eye of the jay, or rather the reflection in the jay’s eye, also teased my attention to look closer.
I can see Steve’s house and trees on both sides of it in the reflection in this jay’s eye. I’m sure you all can see it too.
Now I know that these jays are abundant in their range, and some people are quite used to them being around. For me? They are a joy, amusing, and wonderful to have in my viewfinder.
The story behind this Blue Jay portrait?
This Blue Jay was simply trying to get sunflower seeds from Steve’s feeder. It struggled to get those seeds because the Eastern Bluebirds that have chicks in the nearby nest box were dive-bombing this jay every time it went to get a sunflower seed. By that, I mean the bluebirds were smacking right into the jay’s head!
The bluebird attacks have happened multiple times over a period of several days; it is no small wonder the jays are super skittish in Steve’s yard right now!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Blue Jay photos plus facts and information about this species.
Yeah, I had a Blue Jay Family come to my feeder a couple of years ago. I think they are pretty but never see them often.
Wonderful photo!
It’s Marvelous and I could see the houses reflection in the birds eye too! Stunning colors and capture ! Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day!
Luminously lovely.
Simply stunning. Thank you.