I know Blue Jays bear the reputation of being bossy and belligerent (and I can’t really argue with that!), but they are also stunningly beautiful and are just brimming with personality. And besides, I seem to have an unspoken agreement with mine – they will show up and oblige me with pretty poses…
…and I will provide them with a plentiful supply of peanuts!
And they don’t just take one at a time! This boldly-marked binger popped peanut after peanut until his throat pouch was bulging and his beak was full…
…then he flew off with the spoils.
Typically, when one leaves another is not far behind, like this guy, who landed and gave me several glamour shots…
…and then repeated the behavior of his predecessor.
I’d be lying if I said that they were stealthy and snuck in quietly for their peanut partaking; in reality, they announce their arrival quite loudly, often doing their best imitation of a Hawk to persuade other birds to vacate the premises.
Despite their raucous, roguish behavior (or maybe because of it!), Blue Jays will always be one of my favorite birds to photograph. They are always welcome in my backyard!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Gorgeous photos of these very handsome fellows!
I have what I call my gang of 5 ( though i think there are more than 5 now) that rule my feeder. They arrive as soon as I’ve filled everything with fresh seed. And yes, they do anounce their arrival. Supposedly you can tell them apart by their dark necklaces but I’ve never been able to do that.
Great images you got of the little rascals. Have you tried tossing them a peanut?
I have not tried the peanut toss. Might just have to give that a go!
if you have a peanut in a shell its more visible but they’ll catch shelled half peanuts too. They will at the park where they are used to humans. I haven’t tried at home.
Here in Western Canada it’s their mighty, vocal cousin, the Stellar Jay, with its raspy call from the pines transforming instantly into it swooping smack down onto anyone’s campground picnic table, staring head-cocked at them eating, waiting impatiently for his share of the booty. Canada’s unofficial national bird is the Grey Jay, which puts its other cousins in their place by modelling acceptable behaviour: “. . . Instead of harsh, territorial squawks, their typical chatter consists of soft, melodious whispers, gentle clicks, and quiet “twirks” used to stay in contact with family member . . . ” Interestingly, although they have been spotted in every single Canadian Province (thus, their designation by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2016 as our national bird), I’ve never seen one. They’re also called the ‘Whiskey Jack’–why, I don’t know, though I suspect it had something to do with prospectors. [source used, Gemini AI]
When I was visiting Alaska a couple of years ago I fell in love with those Stellar Jays. There was one that was used to being fed by our rental owner and this jaunty Jay would actually rap on the window to try and coax me into bringing him peanuts. Needless to say, I sent hubby to the store and this beautifully bossy bird was soon eating out of my hand.
I also saw one Grey Jay while there, and have to agree, it was much better mannered!
Excellent captures, Kathy!
Thank you!
They DO look like glamor shots!