The Birds of Red River, NM!

The Steller's Jay

At My brother's house about 5 miles from the town of Red River, NM the only bird remaining the last week in September to frequent the feeder on the deck was the Steller's jay.  This is an interesting bird that is quite bold and would come to the feeder with me no more than 10 feet away clearly visible through the glass front window or even outside on the deck with my camera pointed for a picture.  This bird is not easy to photograph because of its color patterns.  The bottom bright blue comes out easily enough but the almost black neck and head makes the recordation of detail in these areas difficult.  I note that the picture in my Peterson, "Field Guide To The Birds Of Texas" shows the same problem.  

	In the first picture the bird's dark head and neck is recorded against yellow aspen foliage making for a fair picture.  Note the feather crest on the head.
Here is a shot of two birds at the feeder at the same time a rather rare occurrence since one or the other was usually not inclined to tolerate company.  I think the blue lower body shows up too light in this picture.  The first picture is a better representation of the true color of this specie.  The darker fir background contributed to the poorer quality of this picture
	And  an  old bird flying high!
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