Blue Jay in a River Birch, Sequoyah County, OklahomaBlue Jay in a River Birch – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1250, ISO 1000, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

On New Year’s Day I was outside photographing birds feeding on suet balls I had placed in the crooks of a River Birch, including this striking Blue Jay.

It was bright and sunny, the temps were cool but not frigid, and bird activity was hopping. I didn’t feel like driving back to the refuge since it had been fairly crowded and frustrating on New Year’s Eve.

I missed seeing Blue Jays in the decade and a half that I lived in Utah. Actually, I had only one good session with this jay species while I lived there and that was in the dead of winter at someones feeder set up in the city.

With the vehicle and foot traffic of a busy urban setting in Salt Lake City, it wasn’t a very relaxing session at all.

But here, on New Year’s Day, it was relaxing and productive. This Blue Jay didn’t seem bothered by my presence and came in to the suet balls to stuff her or his bill.

Seeing Blue Jays daily here has made me happy. I appreciate their vibrant beauty, loud calls, and interesting behaviors even more now than I ever did before.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Blue Jay photos plus facts and information about this species.