On July 7, 2023, I had the opportunity to observe and photograph a noisy young Blue Jay up close. As a wildlife photographer, moments like these are special—offering a direct look into the daily lives of wild birds. This young Blue Jay was vocal from start to finish, making its presence known before even landing at my feeder. It was a unique chance to witness and document its behavior.
A Noisy Visitor with Personality
This juvenile Blue Jay wasn’t shy. Its calls started well before it arrived, alerting every creature in the vicinity. Even as it perched on the stick next to my hanging basket of sunflower seeds, it kept up its raucous calling. It was as if it wanted the world to know it had found a meal. This constant vocalization is typical for young Blue Jays, who rely on calling to communicate with their parents and other members of their family group.
Equipment Setup and Shooting Conditions
I captured the Blue Jay while it perched on a stick I positioned near the feeder. This stick serves as a landing spot for birds before they feed. Using it helps create better photo opportunities—a natural perch looks much more appealing in a photo compared to a metal basket. The feeder itself contained sunflower seeds, a favorite among Blue Jays and many other bird species in my yard.
I photographed this bird from my deck, using a Canon EOS R7 paired with a Canon RF 800mm F11 lens. To ensure stability, I rested the camera on a bean bag draped over the deck railing. This method provided the necessary support for sharp images, especially important at such a long focal length.
Juvenile Blue Jay Characteristics
Juvenile Blue Jays are easy to distinguish from adults. This particular fledgling had the typical Blue Jay blue, white, and black plumage, but it appeared fluffier, with feathers that were not yet fully smooth. It lacked the more defined color contrast that mature Blue Jays show. The face was softer, almost with a slight scruffy look, and the crest feathers were shorter and less pronounced.
I’ve included a close-up profile image of this young bird in this post. It highlights its developing plumage and youthful features well. Observing these details helps in understanding the growth stages of Blue Jays and differentiating juveniles from adults.
Photography Tips for Capturing Noisy Blue Jays
- Stability Matters: With an 800mm lens, stability is key. Resting the camera on a bean bag over a deck rail works well to prevent motion blur. A tripod would be even better if you have space.
- Use a Natural Perch: Adding a sturdy, weathered stick around 1-2 feet long near your feeder creates a natural-looking setting for your shots. Position the stick at a slight upward angle, making sure it is stable and close enough to the feeder so birds will use it as a landing spot. Birds landing on the stick make for more visually appealing images compared to feeders.
- Observe Behavior: Blue Jays are vocal and social. Listen for their calls to anticipate their arrival. This gives you time to prepare your shot.
- Be Ready for Movement: Juvenile birds like this one are active. They move around and call often. Use a fast shutter speed (like 1/800) to freeze the action and capture crisp details.
The Charm of a Noisy Blue Jay
Photographing this young Blue Jay was a rewarding experience. Its noisy nature, constantly calling while hopping around the perch, and its fearless approach to the feeder gave me a vivid glimpse into its personality. Juvenile birds bring a different energy compared to adults—more curiosity, more movement, and, often, more noise. The constant calling of this fledgling provided a soundtrack that made the experience memorable.
If you’re interested in more about the lives of young Blue Jays, check out my earlier post, “A Glimpse into the World of Blue Jay FledglingsA Glimpse into the World of Blue Jay Fledglings.” You’ll find more observations and tips on recognizing and understanding their fascinating behaviors.
Technical Details
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11
- Location: Lavaca, Arkansas
- Date and Time Taken: July 7, 2023 (09:13 A.M.)
- Aperture: f/11 (Fixed)
- Shutter Speed: 1/800
- ISO: 1600
- Exposure Compensation: +0.3
- Focal Length: 800mm (Fixed)