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!