Surprise by bmac62
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Description
North American Blue Jay.
I have been mumbling to myself for awhile about a general lack of colorful birds at my bird feeder for the past several weeks. Squirrels and grackles have successfully elbowed the song birds away.
Walking past the bird seed in the grocery store two days ago I noticed bags of white seeds that I had not noticed before.
The bag says, "Safflower Seed". And then it says, "Safflower attracts a variety of desired birds while DETERRING SQUIRRELS AND GRACKLES. Look for Cardinals, Chickadees, Blue Jays, Grosbeaks, Finches and Mourning Doves to visit and enjoy this seed."
To my utter amazement IT WORKS. Every one of those birds showed up Monday (yesterday).
This very large Blue Jay came and surprised me so much, I snatched up my camera, hit the on switch, held as steady as I could (using 300mm zoom) and shot three rapid fire frames and poof, just like that, he was gone.
So, now the tripod is back out and I'll have to see if I can get my sharpness back...but was not unhappy with this 3-4 second get ready, off-hand shot.
Thanks for taking a look and all your comments and favorites! I appreciate them very much.
Bill:)
Comments (45)
goodoleboy
Outstanding profile portrait, Bill! Congratulations on discovering the safflower seed, and the birds should be extremely appreciative.
LovelyPoetess
Very nice capture of this one, he doesn't look as scary as those jays usually do. Like they could take off a finger without giving it a second thought. Keep on snapping away, and thanks on the tip about the type of seed. : )
beachzz
Oh, you got him, what a sweet shot, LOVE the color!!
Digitaleagle
Safflower is a great way to discourage all black birds and squirrels, I use it every year. Grackels are an agresive bird, the Red-Winged black birds well fight them for food while the song birds looks for quieter neighborhood. Another reason they haven't been around they've been raising there families you should be seeing some juvys soon. Awesome capture of this Blue Jay, well done!!!
Fred255
Jolly looking chap, good close up.
tizjezzme
That's what I have to start doing; is using a tripod. I hand hold everything I take. This turned out good Bill !!
bimm3d
wonderful bird!!!
debbielove
Good grief, my friend! That is CLOSE! Stunning. can't say much else really. You have excelled yourself! Brilliant. Rob. Will catch up the rest tomorrow. Sorry. Rob.
CavalierLady
Well good for you! My black sunflower seeds do attract the squirrels. You'll be lucky to keep them at bay for long. Glad your jays are back! :)
junge1
Fantastic shot!
Richardphotos
excellent capture Bill. my large dog killed a robin yesterday.I do not know why she hates birds so much.she will sit and watch them until they venture too close.she has killed at least 3 birds,a opossum, and a mouse
mermaid
oh Bill, this title just fits so well for the look it has...lol... such a cutie and I still envy you for your wonderful place to shott away at those birds...smile
anahata.c
(awright, so who's mandy? Sorry, I missed something!) Anyway, even without all the sharpness you wanted, it's a beautiful profile and it has an almost painterly quality to it. I realize part of that could be the softer focus, but part of it is the bird itself, its downy texture and the play of light you caught on its feathers. Wonderful composition, a straight-forward profile of a beautiful bird. And I never knew that the Blue Jay had this much white in it. Well, between planes and birds, I'm learning alot about creatures of flight in this gallery...
Sissy_The_Dudette
beautiful! I wish that one day I can capture a pic like this ...but I think I have time Im only 16 lol
Erestorfan
I just love bluejays. They FINALLY seem to be making a comeback here in New Hampshire. And yes, safflower seeds are great to put out!! You get the birds you really want. An interesting fact about bluejays...I was speaking with a Fish and Game officer and we got talking about bluejays..and he mentioned that they are on a federal list...I don't remember which one, but do you know that if you are walking in the woods or your yard and you see a bluejay feather and you pick it up, you have just committed a federal crime??? I couldn't believe it! I mean the bird is done with it, LOL. But no, it is a federal offense to have a bluejay feather in your possession. Who knew??