After watching the Blue Jays visit the feeders from a distance only to have them stop coming to the feeders when I set up within suitable range for my 400mm lens I decided to try a different approach today. After erecting my old Ameristep Outhouse blind in a suitable location and opening the front window just enough to shoot through the Jays quickly accepted the blind and returned to feeding. They were a little apprehensive about the camera & lens movement but still comfortable enough to allow me to photograph them extensively.
My goal when photographing any wildlife is to capture it in as natural a stetting as possible. Our feeders for the most part are made of hollow logs with natural knot and woodpecker holes. However the most natural shots come when the birds perch on surrounding brush and weeds.
This Blue Jay chose to perch on the weathered and broken poke stems that grow beside one feeder.
Blue Jays were not the only birds who responded well to the use of the blind and I will be sharing some of those images in the coming days.
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19 comments:
Awesome shots of the Bluejay!
You should be pleased with these,they are superb.
Blessings,Ruth
You have it relatively easy with birds attracted to your feeders. Not having your harsh winters, we are discouraged to feed wild birds lest a few generations down the track they disremember how to forage for themselves. Thus I struggle in the wild just to get a half decent shot.
The blue jays are such showy bird and you certainly do them justice.
Thanks for wandering over my way and your nice comment.
Wonderful images. They are surely worth all the work to get them.
Fabulous shots of the Blue Jays! Great composition and nice backgrounds.
I understand your time constraints very much with regard to commenting on other blogs, so I do appreciate you visiting mine yesterday. :)
I've pondered setting up my husband's hunting blind to capture wildlife photos in a more natural setting, but it's so windy, I'm afraid it would blow away.
Love the Blue Jay photos. Looking forward to more in the days to come.
Bluejays are just about my favourite birds in the US (alogn with cardinals) and your photos are gorgeous. I love the details of the feathers and the vibrant colours, especially in contrast with the autumn-y background.
Beautiful pictures!
http://seathreepeeo.blogspot.com (Herding Cats)
gorgeous photos!
I love Blue Jays, the sounds they make, too.
*** my main blog is on Wordpress, but you only allow Blogger folks to make comments .. you might want to change that so others can comment easily ... thanks!!! ****
Coy, I am trying to connect with Brenda. She posted a comment on Shari Braendel's blog that I would like to talk to her about. If you know her, can you please ask her to email me at ruthcekola@kikapaprika.com?
Thanks for your help.
~ Ruth
Oh excellent captures & what a beautiful bird! WoW!
Oh so beautiful!
Silverback gorillas
Simply splendid Coy. I love the environment you captured him... Beautiful!
Very nicely captured. I can see why you are pleased with these shots. I love the position of the blue jays head in the second photo and the way his feathers are puffed up as a result.
fabulous capture ~ a blue ribbon photo!
Excellent shots! I dream of capturing my local blue jays this well. :)
Excellent images! Your patience paid off again, and I do really like the natural setting.
You're going to be knocking out calendar shots every year now.
Beautiful Bluejay in awesome lighting! Such complimentary colors to show him off!
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