Iām not sure where he had been or what he had been doing before he showed up in my backyard this afternoon, but this Blue Jay was in desperate need of a bath. His beak, chest, and feet were caked with dirt.
He chatted at me for a bit, and then must have decided that I was not a major threat because he waded on into the water.
Before long, he threw caution to the wind and gave himself a thorough soaking.
Moments later, a second Blue Jay swooped in and claimed the bathing area for himself.
He splashed about for awhile and then emerged drenched and disheveled but undoubtedly refreshed!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Great shot! š
Thanks H.J. – and by the way, I bought a clay dish since I like the way your bird pictures turn out next to that color. š
Post some pictures after you shot them. I hope it works for you. š
It must be difficult to keep white feathers clean! Thank goodness for bird baths. These are great shots of the cleaning process.
These are the best series photos I’ve seen of the Blue Jay, great work & detail, Kathy. I love them and your story! š
Thanks! I am new to the photography field, but I am having a blast learning. š
What a great series of shots! I’m particularly fond of blue jays and spend a lot of money on peanuts to keep them happy!
I know what you mean. My Blue Jays will loudly let me know if I am too slow in refilling their peanuts!