steller's jay

Posted by Chris (South Jersey, United States) on 28 May 2008 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.

As I hiked in the Columbia River Gorge, this bird came to visit me and very nicely posed at a lookout so that I could get his picture. This type of jay is native to the West Coast, and I had never seen one before.

"I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends. Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises, and call for help when you're in trouble— I'll help you, and you'll honor me."Psalm 50:11,14-15

I am on vacation for a few days and will not be able to comment on your pictures - thanks for stopping by and I will try to catch up when I get back.
I hope that I can become a better photographer with the examples here on Am3 and by getting your feedback on my images.

I may not be able to reply to each of your comments - but they mean a lot to me and I thank you!

Please stop by and visit my daughter's photoblog - Views of a Girl
Please visit my wife's blog - The Noble Wife

Comments (13)

Twelvebit from Victoria, United States

Very nice shot of a lovely bird.

28 May 2008 9:22am

@Twelvebit: Thank you very much!!

Elisa from Massachusetts, United States

nice capture!! good dof!

28 May 2008 10:43am

@Elisa: Thanks!

Rich from Gray, United States

Very nice.

28 May 2008 4:17pm

@Rich: Thanks!

Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada

What a handsome jay. He is very beautiful and the image is sharp and crisp. I really like the scripture that you choose to go with it. Because the earth does declare the glory of God .....

28 May 2008 5:34pm

@Marion: Thank you Marion - even the birds sing His praises.....

Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States

Chris, I love what Marion wrote ... I can't (and don't want to) override them. HE knows each of us and knows the hairs on our heads; he also knows every bird he has created. You have captured one of his gems.

28 May 2008 7:02pm

@Judy: Thank you Judy - He knows all things and loves His creation very much, but He loves those that bear His image (us!!) even more.....

Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom

This is beautifully sharp and crisp and I like how the long lens has given the isolation.

28 May 2008 8:35pm

@Ronnie 2¢: Thank you very much!

jean-sebastien from St-joseph du lac, Canada

Right place at the right moment heh ! Nice shot tho ! Real nice shot

28 May 2008 8:48pm

@jean-sebastien: I actually had a very long climb up to reach this lookout, and when I arrived this bird came to greet me - I think he took pity on how tired I was and stopped by to let me take his picture!

Betty from New Jersey, United States

Excellent photo of a beatufiu bird! You captured its details very well!

28 May 2008 9:03pm

@Betty: Thank you Betty!

niña from United States

he looks like a handsome little bird! : ) very nice capture chris!

28 May 2008 10:34pm

@niña: Thank you Nina - I had never seen this type of bird today and he was a nice "model"!

Anita from West Nottingham, United States

Very nice bird portrait! The Jay is in a great position to show off his feathers, and you captured him just right. I like the background color and the out of focus leaves.

29 May 2008 7:21pm

@Anita: Thanks Anita, he was a good sport to sit there and let me photograph him, and he jumped to a couple different spots so that I could get him from different angles. The background is actually the Columbia River (I was up pretty high and looking down into the river).