I was outside on the back deck yesterday, watching some mason bees build in the underside of a table I like to sit at, when I heard the unmistakable cry of a Blue Jay announcing its arrival. Now, before sharing anymore about said Jay, can I just say that I had never heard of mason bees before, and they are really quite fascinating. Apparently, they are rather friendly bees (though that sounds like an oxymoron!) and are known to be non-aggressive and unlikely to sting. They tend to build in holes that already exist, so they aren’t typically destructive. For now, I think I shall let them proceed with their nesting and just let them bee…I mean, be!

Now, back to the Blue Jay. This beauty landed in the Post Oak that is next to the feeding area, and flitted about the branches waiting for the coast to be clear, which means he was waiting for my female labra-mutt to vacate her squirrel stalking post.

Then, when all seemed safe, he ventured closer…

…and closer…

…until he was able to swoop down and scoop up a peanut or two.

Honestly, the Blue Jays are one of the main reasons I put out the peanuts. They have always been one of my favorite birds to photograph.