So when my good friend and fellow wildlife photographer Ken from Wales invited me over to his feeding station,set in mature woodland of Oak,Beech I jumped at the chance.He has been feeding these birds now for many years,presenting the only realistic chance of ever getting close to these incredible shy birds,enabling me to capture some close up portraits of them.I spent as much time watching them as I did taking images,amazed at the behaviour’s,displays,and dominance of the feed station,their family trademark characteristic of mobbing ever present.

 Their tyical behavoiur was to fly down,pick up as much food as possible then fly off into the surrounding woodland,bury their stash getting back to the feeding station as quick as their wings would carry them.

 They are such a beautiful looking bird up close,having their own distinctive personality,in parts cheeky and bold, but most of the time they are really jumpy,reluctant to leave the shelter of the woodland.An interesting fact is Jay’s are one of the most important natural planters of acorns and the distribution of several Oak species is quite dependent on their presence,so their behaviour of ‘grab and go’ is helping in parts to the successful survival of Oak woodlands,as not all the acorns/nuts they hide can be found to be eaten,resulting in new tree’s-’Natures Natural Gardener!!’

 I had a great day, learned some much I didn’t no about this shy bird,thank you to Ken as without your invite these images would’nt have been possible,with full credit going to you my friend for all your hard work over the years in feeding these come rain or shine.

 He also has Great-Spotted Woodpeckers there,that come in between the visiting Jays.I managed to capture this one while he was perched on this beautiful old Oak log.

If you are visiting woodland wishing to see Jays, watch out for their white rump and black tail as it flies in their characteristic bouncy manner,listen for the call which is harsh and loud,where the Jay may afford you the briefest of chances to see its stunning colours,be warned though,don’t bother to chase it through the woodland hoping it may come down from the tree tops,it always ends in favour of the Jay!.Good luck

Birdwatching for Beginners Walk, Carsington Water, Derbyshire, starts at 10am,so come prepared for a great start to your 2010 bird count, Volunteer Ranger’s will be on hand and pointing out any winter visitors and other birds that make their home on this beautiful stretch of water.Over the two hours there the idea is to help and talk to the absolute beginners and to see what they get out of it and how their knowledge changes over that couple of hours with the help and advice that is on offer,I will be also showing a few tips I’ve learned and passing them on and taking photo’s of any birds we see over the time we are there.

It’s a great way to shake of the christmas and new year blues and to learn more about wildlife,so if you are interested or your children are then come along on the day or telephone Carsington Water on 01629 540 696 and ask about this brillant event,you also get the chance to meet the Birdwatching Team that will be there along with myself.I hope to see you all there and if you have any other questions or information then drop me a line on my Contact form

Timetable For The Day

9.45 – 10.00  People on course checked in.
10.00           Introduction, housekeeping and walk plans
10.05           10 minutes on a bird topic(s)
10.15           Walk to and round Stones Island
11.15           Arrive back at Visitor Centre, to pick up quick coffees; Loo stop etc
11.20           To Ranger Base to view feeder and Bullfinch (not guaranteed!)
11.30           At Shiningford Creek for viewing  followed by reminders of next walk.
11.45           To Wildlife Centre to join Date with nature team
Noon           Disperse……………. people can stay as long as they like

Above is the timetable for this walk and it should be a great morning for your interest the satellite navigation code is DE6 1ST or below is the full postal address

Carsington Water,Ashbourne,Derbyshire,DE6 1ST.

See you all on the day.