Swarovski 80HD Nikon CP990

Jay

Garrulus Glandarius 34cm

Jays are easily the most colourful members of the crow family resident in the UK.

They are a woodland species and are generally quite timid. During the winter they can occasionally be tempted by peanuts and suet as was the case here.

The food had actually been put down to attract Nuthatches at a spot I know in an old Oak Coppice on Cannock Chase. I was pleased to see the Jay and kept still, watching as it carefully circumnavigated my position before finally moving in to help itself to a free feed.

It's surprising how often I go out with the intention of photographing a particular species and end up coming back with something entirely different. Ironically, I didn't get any usable shots of the Nuthatches!