Saturday, July 14, 2012

A study in blue jays

Not really. I just couldn't think of a better title.

 This photo was taken about a month ago, when the babies were everywhere! They've always got their little beaks open and their feathers ruffled it seems. And goodness, do they squawk for mommy & daddy to bring them some food!

...which is what this little fellow was doing. I think mom & dad were practicing tough love, though, and sending him off to search for some food on his own.

Here's a mom or dad visiting the deck.

These were taken much more recently, during our heat wave a week or so ago, which is why this fellow's beak was open even though he wasn't waiting for someone to magically drop food into it like the first little guy.

Birds actually pant when it's quite hot out.

Oops, it looks like I've been spotted.

Of course the other thing they do when they're hot is visit one of the many birdbaths in the yard.

And it never hurts to find the tallest perch to try to catch some sort of breeze! I'm so glad we got this birdhouse put back together because it is a favorite place for the birds to survey the yard for peanuts, bugs, moths, you name it.

Stay cool, everyone! We're in for a run of hot weather here in New England!

I'm linking to Tracie's Cottage Garden Party at the lovely Fishtail Cottage
and Cindy's Show & Tell Friday at the beautiful My Romantic Home.

Donna

6 comments:

  1. Hi Donna
    that´s a lovley bird :)
    and do not miss.

    S
    A
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    S
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    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Donna
    that´s a lovley bird :)
    and do not miss.

    S
    A
    T
    U
    R
    D
    A
    Y

    S
    H
    O
    W

    O
    F
    F

    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I Love this post. My whole family about a month ago played guardian to a baby blue jay, trying to grow his flying feathers. We forbid the cats to go outside. Every mourning, we would watch the parents feed the little one and every evening. We would go in the backyard and talk to him or her. The little blue Jay would bounce around the yard and we would have to hunt for it. One day he was just not there. We missed it's first flight, we were sad. We like to think it is living a happy life and going to find a mate. They mate for life, the parents were so devoted. They would both come in and check on it and talk, talk, talk.
    Missy

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  4. I didn't realize that birds panted! Learn something new every day. I love your yard, with all the things you've got out for wildlife.
    Brenda

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  5. Hi Donna...Love your bluejay photos. Wow, I don't know how you get so close to them. Do you use a zoom lens? Nice shots. Susan

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  6. beautiful pictures. I had a little blue jay in my back yard once...It was frantic trying to fly...Yup he flew.. I was so proud.
    Anne

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