Shake That Snow Off - It's Not Time Yet

Yes, it is not yet time for the snow. Last week we had snow falling all day; however, the ground was still warm, so it didn't stay. Nights are colder now, and every day we wake up to freezing temperatures, yet we are blessed with beautiful fall-like days with temperatures above 10 degrees C.

Last week I was very lucky, yet I felt lucky too. I got my camera ready, adjusted the ISO settings, and left it on the kitchen island. By noon, I had the screaming Blue Jay in my backyard, walking on the grass and on the fence, and his or her flying companion zooming by. That wasn't the end; a little Junco and Chickadees arrived also. I wasn't lucky photographing them, but at least I got something. It was windy and snowing, and I was standing behind the window.

I think I mentioned that before. The nice thing about fall and winter and bird photography is that there are no leaves for the birds to hide in. They are more exposed, so it is easier to see them and, of course, photograph them.

I am hoping for more sightings like that in my backyard. I am so tempted to put out the bird seeds again, but then do I want another mouse in my house?

~ Anna

[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]

Comments

Diva's Thoughts said…
OMG that photo is gorgeous!!!
Lynda Lehmann said…
Nay to the mouse idea!

It's a great shot, Anna, for being taken from behind the window!
Marka said…
Looks like he's gettin' all fluffed up for the winter. Enjoy the snow! Down here we've only had the cold so far. Cheers!
Marvin said…
Awesome photo! Somehow he looks disgruntled.
Will said…
Great photo Anna! His feathers are definitely ruffled about something. Or maybe from the wind?

Your Blue Jays are different than ours. We have the Stellar Jay here in Oregon. Yours looks like the true Blue Jay species.

We had our first freezing morning here today, just barely. 31 degrees F. and foggy until afternoon. I was cooold at work but will have to get used to it again as it is just starting.

Can't believe you just made your 400th comment on my site! Thanks again. Can't wait until Matthew leaves his first! :-)
Zbyszek said…
Super foto, wszystkie Twoje zdjęcia są takie radosne, pozdrawiam serdecznie:)
RuneE said…
The bird seems to be freezing, and no wonder. We have had a couple of "on-off"winters already, but today it was all of 6 degree C!
Pietro Brosio said…
What a beautiful picture, Anna! It gives so well the sensation of the winter, and the Blue Jay is very pretty!
Have a great weekend :-)
Anna: Beautiful capture of the jay, we also had that snow but it was 60F today.
Haddock said…
At any given time or year, Winter is my fav season.
So let the snow keep coming.... :-)
Unknown said…
That's a beautiful photo Anna! I enjoy fall the most :)
johnny said…
Esta ave parece estar preocupada por el invierno. Me gusta la idea de tener la cámara en la cocina:))
Besos
Patty said…
Blue Jay must be chilling, it's feathers are all fluffed out like they do when trying to keep warm. Thanks for your visits. No, I'm not ready for any snow either, even if it doesn't stick. Have a great Sunday.
Rajesh said…
Beautiful bird. Fantastic capture.
Swubird said…
Anna:

That is a fantastic picture. It so clear and real. You are such a gifted photographer. I used to take a lot of pictures when I was younger, but I was never as good as you. Well done my dear. Take care and stay warm and cozy.

By the way, what state are you in where it's so cold? As you know, the queen and I live in California and today was sunny and about eighty degrees F. Nice.

Happy trails.
Chris said…
Is it not the time for snow now?? yes it is, it is coming anyway ;-) Beautiful shot you got, and do not forget, snow gives you a really nice environment for pictures ;-)
Birdy Official said…
Great capture as always. You are right that winter is a good season for capturing birds, but not a good season for bug hunters like me.
Anonymous said…
Very nice photography. He looks so clean too.
joshi daniel said…
lovely and the image has a nice feel to it!
George said…
This is a wonderful picture of the blue jay. He looks all puffed up as protection against the cold, and I like the snow flakes you captured with him. Now that the leaves are mostly gone, Betsy has her camera set up for some serious bird photos.
Sabi Sunshine said…
awesome photogrph:) love it
Jeevan said…
You captured a pretty bird anna, and the background was simple perfect. Even it is too cold, seems you are enjoying the clear sight of birds. Have many pleasant moments alike this anna. take care :)
Pearl Maple said…
Oh too funny a theme, or not funny if you are not a fan of winter.

Great photo though!
Max Coutinho said…
Hi Anna,

Gorgeous bird!! I love its blue colours.

Winter is coming little by little, but I also know that time will pass by so quickly that by February Spring time will start smiling at us again ;)!

Big hug to you and Matthew!

Cheers
Amazing color on this bird! And he looks like he is growing a fur coat for the winter!
We put out bird seed and just deal with the mice. Mice are my friends too, you know. hee hee
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--JB
Yacek said…
Ciekawy i bardzo ładny ptaszek.
Nancy J. Locke said…
A darling and perfect bluejay photo, Anna! How adorable. Bluejays are so quick to fly. Great capture.

We have snowflakes falling now and then too but nothing staying on the ground.

I'm set up for bird photography now too. Won't we have fun!!! I can't wait to see some of Matthew's tries. :D

Have a super day, dear friend.

Hugs, Nancy/JJ
Jennie said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jennie said…
Fantastic photo Anna! Awesome colors and beautiful bokeh!
Tatiana said…
This is such a wonderful capture of the beautiful blue jay Anna, such a luck and timing my friend :) And we expect snow fall for Thursday, and Friday and Saturday. They say this winter will be tough and maybe colder than last year, so yeah, keeping worm will be priority. I will also try to shoot a few shots now and than. Keep warm and cozy with family dear Anna... {{{HUGS}}}
Peter said…
The weather has been whackey here too with summer temps way below par...thank God!
kRiZcPEc said…
Thanks for sharing a winner shot. Hope all's well.
John Maslowski said…
Absolutely a fantastic capture of this beautiful Blue Jay. Love the clarity and details in this shot Anna. We just had our first bit of snowfall on Thanksgiving day, just enough to cover the ground. Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving, Anna. Looking forward to more of your gorgeous bird images.
RW said…
That poor bird, I know just how it feels. As a long time advocate of Summer and a huge protester of winter I think we should unite worldwide and boycott Winter once and for all.

Nice shot Annabobanna! :)
Charles Dastodd said…
wonderful capture! i love the blue against the white :)
MedaM said…
This is so beautiful photo of a cute little bird that looks like freezing.