Jay

Well, the hoped for sunshine didn't arrive, but at least the rain stayed away, which meant the dogs and I were able to go to Ferry Meadows for a bit of exercise. And it's amazing how a bit of fresh air and exercise can raise the spirits. The grey skies weren't ideal for photography, but I took a few insurance shots of mosses, and then just decided to enjoy my walk.

On the way back I spotted a jay sitting in a tree, and stopped to see whether it would come any closer. After a short while it flew down to the ground, and promptly disappeared behind a trunk. I could only detect it's presence by the dead leaves which kept flying out. The dogs and I waited patiently, and eventually it emerged into the open and continued fossicking among the fallen leaves.

It was quite hard to focus on, as it was really a bit too far away, but a couple of shots came out fairly well. I just love the intense blue of the wing flash in this one, and its perky expression!! I think it was hunting acorns that it had buried last autumn - and I last saw it flying away over the adjacent lake with an acorn in it's beak. It's excellent memory had come up trumps!