Blue-jay scuffle

[Stuart Edwards]

This is from a backyard setup at a friends house. A recent cold snap had the jays very active at the feeders so we decided to have some fun with them. A few peanuts wedged into the cornstalk was all that we needed to get them started , then the confrontations started. There was plenty of food for everyone but they didnt seem to know it .
I shot a short burst when I saw 2 jays perched on the same stalk and was lucky to get this shot.I added a little canvas to the right side and had originally cut the very tips of the tail feathers on the right so I used the tail from the next frame to repair it. Background is an old camo tarp hung on a tree , shot form a blind on a tripod.
1dIV 400f5.6L
1/1250 f7.1
iso 500
converted in DPP and repaired the tail in photoshop. smart sharpen on the birds.

[Glenn Pure]

Fantastic action captured and stunning colours. The new image size really adds impact too, Stuart. That bird on the right really rocks and the pose on the left one rounds off the story. That setup paid off well. The canvas addition and repair on the right side looks very good. Composition wise, I'd have been inclined to have a little more on top and a little less below but who's complaining.

[Isaac Grant]

This is fantastic. Great perch, action and colors. Background is perfect. I don't have any blue jay images I am happy with but this one would make me ecstatic.

[annmpacheco]

Terrific work here! Nice processing work too! superb!

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Nice shot. I like the action and snow on the perch is good.

I wish the eye was a little sharper.

TFS

[David N Smith]

Excellent image. I like how you got both birds in focus and the color is fantastic.

[Jonathan Spool]

I love this shot! The pop is amazing, not to mention the activity going on! Excellent.