Oftentimes, when I am standing on the deck with my camera, I hear the loud cry of a Hawk, which turns out to merely be a Blue Jay doing his best Hawk imitation.
But yesterday the real deal showed up – and to say the backyard was loud is an understatement! Not only was the handsome Red-shouldered fellow squawking incessantly, but about a dozen angry Jays were also boisterously voicing their displeasure at his presence.
It was hard to get a clear shot of him as he was perched high in the tree, shrouded amidst a cluster of branches, but you can see that this guy was well-fed.
I’m pretty sure the Blue Jays were extra aggressive since they have so many young ones in the area right now, and they were relentless in their swooping, diving, and raucous jeering. The Hawk eventually grew weary of the constant assault and flew off in search of a less hostile hunting ground. Then the Jays, young and old, swooped in and started gobbling up peanuts.
I think they had worked up quite an appetite in the showdown as they kept coming, one after another, for quite awhile.
Some seemed to pause and express their gratefulness for the food supply…at least, that’s how it seemed to me.
From the fighting to the feasting, the entire escapade was fun to watch!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
love that last shot! 🙂 what a cutie!
He is quite endearing!
Wow, the second shot of the hawk is amazing! And, yeah, the last one is just soooooo adorable! 💘😍
I was secretly hoping the Hawk would swoop down and land on my deck rail, but alas! And I agree, that last Jay is a sweetheart!
Always chilling when a hawk comes to call. Great shots!
It was so loud – the backyard felt like an all out battlefield!
Love you Blue Jay photos Kathy, and of course I love any raptor pics, your Hawk is no exception. It is wonderful how many small birds (people) in community can accomplish so much more together against great giants of oppression.
Definitely strength in numbers!
All terrific shots. It sounds like the Blue Jays kicked up their heels when the coast was clear.
Wondering if they were stress eating!
Could be…
Never a dull moment in your back yard!
I know, right!
Nice photos. These jays are so bright and colourful.
some times men creates something for ever.I think this is that.