This young Blue Jay made sure I noticed it before it ever reached the feeder. Its loud calls carried through the yard and gave me time to get ready.
I photographed this bird on July 7, 2023, in Lavaca, Arkansas. It turned into a close look at the restless energy of a young Blue Jay.
Young Blue Jay Calling Near the Feeder
This young Blue Jay was not shy. It called before it landed and kept calling after it reached the perch near my feeder.
The bird perched on a stick I had placed beside a hanging basket of sunflower seeds. That setup gives birds a natural-looking place to land before they move to the feeder.
This Blue Jay had the look of a juvenile bird. Its feathers appeared fluffier than an adult’s. The crest looked shorter, and the face had a softer, slightly scruffy look.
The blue, white, and black pattern was already there. But the overall look was not as clean or defined as a mature Blue Jay.
Young Blue Jays can be loud and active. This one fit that pattern well. It moved around the perch and kept making its presence known.
For another look at young Blue Jays, see my related post, A Glimpse into the World of Blue Jay Fledglings.
Photographing a Juvenile Blue Jay from My Deck
I photographed this Blue Jay from my deck. The bird was on a stick near the feeder, which gave the scene a cleaner look than the feeder basket alone.
A natural perch can make a big difference in backyard bird photography. It gives the bird a better setting and keeps the photo from feeling too cluttered.
I used a bean bag over the deck railing for support. That helped steady the camera with the long lens.
The bird was active, so I needed to be ready. With young birds, a moment can change fast.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11
- Location: Lavaca, Arkansas
- Date and time: July 7, 2023, at 9:13 A.M.
- Aperture: f/11
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 1600
- Exposure compensation: +0.3
- Focal length: 800mm
Why This Blue Jay Fledgling Stood Out
What I remember most is the sound. This young Blue Jay seemed to announce every move it made.
That noise gave the encounter personality. It was not just a bird landing at a feeder. It felt like a small scene from the busy life of a young bird.
Juvenile birds often bring extra movement and energy to a photo session. This one did both.
The close view, the natural perch, and the constant calling made this a memorable backyard encounter.