Jays

I've never been able to get more than a snatched shot of a jay in a tree, and then usually through a thicket of twigs and branches. They are great looking birds, but until now somewhat elusive so far as I'm concerned. They don't come near our garden and sightings have generally been infrequent. But they are very active at the moment where I work, and seeing them on the wing is simply a matter of waiting a few minutes. These were taken just outside my office at lunchtime today.


Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

This entry was posted in Birds and tagged , .

15 Comments

  1. Words September 25, 2008 at 12:09 am #

    Neil, yes they were ferrying food back and forth fairly constantly. I've just been reading up on them. I didn't realize they stored acorns over winter, rather like squirrels. No wonder they're busy!

  2. Ukwildlife September 25, 2008 at 12:09 am #

    great shots. I saw quite a few on Monday. In fact heard two groups squarking at each other at one point. They are extra active collecting food for winter at the moment I think

  3. gdare September 25, 2008 at 5:09 am #

    Great :up: The first one looks like it is flying all over your post, I guess the sky was cloudy with a lot of difuse light 🙂

  4. SittingFox September 25, 2008 at 7:09 am #

    'tis acorn season! Nice shots. They cut a very distinctive form in flight.

  5. Words September 25, 2008 at 7:09 am #

    Darko, absolutely right about the light. It was very overcast yesterday.

  6. Ukwildlife September 25, 2008 at 11:09 am #

    The first thing i saw this morning when I woke up was a jy flying high over my garden and house! Made me think of this post as its probably doing the same as these

  7. cakkleberrylane September 25, 2008 at 4:09 pm #

    Wonderful shots. I think the white sky really makes them stand out well!

  8. Words September 26, 2008 at 12:09 am #

    Neil, ain't wildlife great. A bit like buses… nothing for ages, then they're everywhere.

  9. Words September 26, 2008 at 12:09 am #

    Thanks Lois. The dark sky was a bit of a challenge. I set the camera to over expose by quite a bit to bring out the colour of the bird.

  10. Words September 26, 2008 at 12:09 am #

    Adele, thanks. They certainly make a change from the gulls and pigeons.

  11. cakkleberrylane September 26, 2008 at 11:09 pm #

    That worked very well!

  12. zetorres September 27, 2008 at 1:09 pm #

    You are always amazing with your camera! :up: I have 3 of this birds about 20,30m of my house but they never stop for a photo…:lol:

  13. Vulpes vulpes September 28, 2008 at 3:09 pm #

    Wonderful!!

  14. Words September 28, 2008 at 4:09 pm #

    Ze, thanks! This one wasn't stopping either!

  15. Words September 28, 2008 at 4:09 pm #

    Vulpes, thanks. And good to see you around!