When I had this young Blue Jay in my viewfinder, I could clearly see that it was immature. The pin feathers and new growth told me everything I needed to know. About the jay’s age, anyway!
Teen-aged or immature Blue Jay – Canon R7, f8, 1/500, ISO 1250, Canon 100-400mm at 349mm, natural light
I haven’t yet processed quite a few images I took earlier this breeding season of very young, freshly fledged Blue Jays, but here I am sharing teen-aged jays. This immature jay is probably from a second brood, or maybe even a third brood, for the year.
The new pin feathers, with their white sheaths still attached, in this jay photo reminded me of gray eyebrows on people that have gone wild. The pin feathers on the neck? Maybe some kind of jewelry, or an ascot.
Young Blue Jay showing new feather growth and pin feathers – Canon R7, f8, 1/500, ISO 1250, Canon 100-400mm at 349mm, natural light
This young jay announced their arrival on the vine by calling loudly. Jays of all species seem to be boisterous, so that didn’t surprise me.
The young Blue Jays pose in this photo gave me a great view of their new feather growth, including the pin feathers on their face, above and below their bill, and on their throat.
Young Blue Jay showing new feather growth and pin feathers close up – Canon R7, f8, 1/500, ISO 1250, Canon 100-400mm at 349mm, natural light
I decided to share a larger version of the same image, cropped to highlight the wispy new feathers and the pin feathers as well. They are easier to see in this enlarged crop.
Before long, this immature Blue Jay will look very much like the adults of this jay species. I’m enjoying seeing the adorably bossy younger version of them now.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Blue Jay photos plus facts and information about this species.
Another teenybopper!. Very interesting close-up. The detail is amazing. Thanks Mia.
Aww still has a baby face!
Love that great portrait shot!
thanks for the crop which allowed me to see the detail of this charming gawky youngster.