I drove over to Sax-Zim Bog yesterday to end 2020 in terms of birding. My target birds in this order were: Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Grosbeaks. Blue Jays were not even on my radar … too common! It just shows if photography is your goal, you have to “go with the flow”. My photo opps for either kind of grosbeak were limited (know where to go now), but did 5 blue jays put on a show for me. It is always interesting to observe that while 99% of Blue Jays migrate south each fall, a few hearty souls stay north and thus will have first pick of habitat next spring for mating.
In addition to the snow flocked pines, the hoar frost was amazing yesterday. The end result is I skipped my planned afternoon and after a short intermission, went out owling yesterday afternoon. I needed to be outside deep in the forest. More on that excursion later!
Blue Jays of Sax-Zim Bog!
The other target birds … Evening and Pine Grosbeaks
Who says there is not any color in the snow flocked Boreal forest!
beautiful images, beautiful birds. thanks for sharing- and happy new year!
Wow! Just beautiful. I so look forward to a New Year – 365 days! – of birds ahead. Wishing you and your family the best in the New Year.
Happy New Year to a great photographer! Your colorful birds made my New Year begin with a smile. Thank you so very much! You are a
one-of-a-kind artist to be sure!!!
Gratefully,
Louise from Ohio
P.S. We still have blue jays here in Ohio. When I put out nuts in December,
they came in small flocks to my porch deck railing! Not sure where
they came from… It was like a miracle. They each would take one nut,
then fly away to a nearby tree only to come for more. It was like a
dream.
Peanuts are like candy for blue jays!
I used to see blue jays where I live in Illinois but haven’t seen one in years. Also Meadow Larks are all but gone. I guess because the fence rows have been cleared to expand farming. So miss their beautiful song.
I still see Meadow Larks, but the farmland in NW Wisconsin is not prime. Thus the birds have a chance.
Oh, these are too lovely not to take the time to comment All of your photos are so appreciated. Happy New Year to you and yours.