I was surprised at how difficult it was to get an image of a Blue Jay. Considering how much of a "bully" they are, they are extremely flighty. Before even coming to grab and seed and fly away, this one would sit out of sight and scold me loudly. At least that gave me some notice that it was nearby....
I would love to hear any comments and critiques you may have. (thank you, Nonda for your help and encouragement!)
There seems to be a bluish cast to the face, but that is the way this bird is.
Super BJ pose and HA. Would darken the eye a little, looks sort of too light to me (not much) and maybe sharpen him up just a bit,looks like there is some nice detail that could be enhanced:-) Really very small tweaks.
Good job working with snow!!!
I like your brighter face (feathers) much better:-)
Last edited by Nonda Surratt; 01-14-2009 at 01:39 PM.
Blue Jays can be hard to shoot sometimes without the right kind of enticement. Over the last couple years at my house I had only seen a Blue Jay twice, and never at a convenient time when I had the camera at ready. This past spring, I decided to put out some in-the-shell peanuts, and slowly but surely Blue Jays started to visit. Of course, I had some troubles with the Grackles carrying a lot off. By the time fall came around, the Grackles were gone, and the Blue Jays had figured out when they were to be fed, so they were waiting for me almost every morning. I did notice that one or two were very flighty, but there were others who didn't mind my presence at all, even getting within a few feet of me. If you want to capture a few more pics (that is if you want them in your yard), try some in-the-shell peanuts. Of course, not knowing what habitat/environment you're in, this may not be feasible. I live in a small town.
Cheryl, Nonda took the words right out of my mouth-The eye looks much better in re-post, I think you did a great job w/ the snow and catching the Jay in a good position-I have tons of bluejays ,but getting a good shot is tough-their tail is long and the attractive part is their back so they are difficult and you did well!!Really nice pose!! Also agree w/ shelled peanuts-but they should be raw not roasted. Also I find that feeding the nuts at the same time every morn. or eve helps,they seem to have a schedule.
I was wondering if I had lightened the jay too much. It looked a bit light to me also, but then I didn't know if it was my monitor which had adjusted, or if I went overboard with the image.
Thanks.
will try raw peanuts, if I can find them. I like the jays in the winter. but don't want them around during the summer......
I was told by our wild bird expert in town that roasted peanuts lack the nutrients needed. Is she wrong? I'd love to know because roasted are easier to come by.
Sorry. I did forget to mention that I use RAW peanuts and not roasted...nor JPEG for that matter. :)
I get my peanuts from Trophy Nut in Tipp City, Ohio. It's the best price around. I'm thinking $26 for a 25 lb. box. Of course, since I'm within driving distance I pick them up. I'm not sure what the price would be if they were shipped.
Peanuts are peanuts and really play such a small part of the actual diet I wouldn't worry about it. However having seen the affects of aflatoxins, that I worry about;)
Sorta like some get worked up about peanuts being fed to squirrels, if they were locked in a cage and that was the only thing they had to eat it would be a huge health issue..Not in the wild.
Sill best to stick with human grade, raw or roasted, the birds are fine with it, honest
BUT if you put out an in-shell almond and a peanut, the BJ's here will grab the almond every time, unless a squirrel is also after it..Then there is a dust up.
Hi Cheryl,
I like the composition and capture...you have good details and good color rendition...the eye needs to be darker and a tad more sharp...also would give more room on the bottom for the tail...congrats on the capture...these guys are not easy to photograph...:cool:
Love the pose and the snow perch adds so much feel !! Got a keeper !!! ...btw I was looking at my files and don't have a single blueJay I would post !!!
Can't You See That I'm Eating Here??
