Blue Jay

There have been many of these bright blue birds at my feeder lately. Related to crows, ravens and magpies, they will eat just about anything that is edible.

The blue jay inhabits North America east of the Rockies from Southern Canada to the Gulf states. It is found in oak and pine woods, towns, and suburbs.

The call of the blue jay is distinctive with its harsh "jay" or "jeeah", but it also has musical notes in its repetoire and will imitate the call of the red-tailed hawk at times.

Here I have one pictured sitting on an oak tree branch. The leaves are still changing color and have not yet fallen. Most all the trees here are bare by mid-November except the oaks which tend to hold onto at least some of their leaves for a longer time.

• This painting has been sold.