Jays at the pool

Juvenile Jay - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It’s always a thrill to see Jays. They are, however, difficult to see. The most likely reason for that is human persecution. The behaviour of the natural world is a response to the actions of humans as we have cut, burnt, planted, hunted and eaten our way around the planet. In many places the only species left are the ones which avoid us, together with inbred domesticated species.

We’re in a small hide with a reflection pool in Slovenia when we spot a Jay coming through the trees.

Juvenile Jay - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They are absolutely stunning close up.

Juvenile Jay - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

The scrappy, unsure, young Jays seem to have much paler blue eyes, while the older adults have darker eyes.

Juvenile Jay - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There’s a lot going on in their feather detailing. Just look at how complex all these markings are:

Juvenile Jay - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

The closer you get to Jays the more interesting they are. If only we could get closer.

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