Saw my first Jay today.

demicav · #1 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 06:47 PM

Some of you may be aware of how much I've longed to see a Jay, I think I may have mentioned it once or twice. Anyway, driving along a road today near some fields and there at the side of the road was a pair of Jays. I instantly shouted "I don't believe it", at which point my other half ( who was driving ) panicked as he thought he'd run over something

. I quickly explained that everything was ok but I was a little over enthusiastic after seeing one of my must see birds. Driving back a few hours later I saw one again in the same spot. I didn't get a pic but it made my day

.

Lincs Yellowbelly · #2 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 06:49 PM

Excellent

around here there are lots of large Oak woodlands which have good numbers of Jay, if you spend an hour around them you are almost guaranteed to see 2 or 3

paulchandler6 · #3 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 06:52 PM

Congrats

A great buzz to get a first, especially one of your "must see" species.

Paul

Birchy · #4 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:19 PM

I remember when I saw my first JAY it was a good feeling. It's better than seeing the usual birds when am out twiching.

See if you can get a picture of one they are a striking bird with that Bluish pattern on it's wing.

My most recent sighting was the male reed bunting. It's great feeling when you see something new.

demicav · #5 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birchy

See if you can get a picture of one they are a striking bird with that Bluish pattern on it's wing.

I've since found out that there are quite a few in that area so I'm going to try and get back with my camera.

JaySteel · #6 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:30 PM

There are lots of Jays around my area but I'm yet to capture one in a photograph worth keeping. I did capture a couple of reasonable parakeet photos this week and they've been sitting just out of my range all year so I was pretty pleased even though the photos could be better.

glsammy · #7 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:33 PM

As I've only just got an picture I'm reasonably satisfied with, I know what you mean!
I've often seen Jays, but it's usually just a quick glimpse as they glide through the trees, with next to no chance of a shot. That's why I was so chuffed to get these few shots when I was at Wollaton Park the other day.

demicav · #8 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

As I've only just got an picture I'm reasonably satisfied with, I know what you mean!
I've often seen Jays, but it's usually just a quick glimpse as they glide through the trees, with next to no chance of a shot. That's why I was so chuffed to get these few shots when I was at Wollaton Park the other day.

I absolutely love those pics, I can only dream of getting such good ones of a Jay but I'll do my best.

JaySteel · #9 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:38 PM

Lovely shots there.
I saw a jay a few years ago sitting on the ground with blood dripping from its head. There were about a dozen magpies in a nearby tree taking it in turns to fly down and peck the jay's head and then fly back to the tree. I was horrified! The jay made no attempt to get away and no attempt to fight back. I took it upon myself to rescue the jay but the stupid bird ran away from me and hid at the bottom of the tree just out of my reach but directly beneath the magpies! Stupid creature!

glsammy · #10 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demicav

I absolutely love those pics, I can only dream of getting such good ones of a Jay but I'll do my best.

Good luck!

It's hard to believe these are just another member of the Crow Family!

I think they should be classified on their own, I mean, fancy having a Crow or a Rook as one of your nearest relations when your as good looking as this!