A blue jay imitates Santa Claus

I took this photo while it was snowing the morning after freezing rain, sleet and snow fell during the night in Southeast Missouri. From a distance I could see something amiss with the blue jay's crest. When it flew closer I noticed that some of its crest feathers had ice frozen to them. It made me think of Santa's hat. I was lucky to have this beautiful bird fly close to me and afford me the opportunity to photograph it.

The blue jay is a songbird native to a large portion of North America including parts of Canada. Common hanging bird feeders do not attract blue jays well. They will come more quickly to flat open feeders piled with nuts, corn, sunflower seeds, acorns and even apple slices. Blue jays are slightly larger than cardinals. Smaller birds at a feeder are usually frightened by the fluttery approach of a blue jay.

The blue jay is a very adaptable songbird. Although it prefers habitat with at least some trees, it can survive very well in deforested areas where there are ample bushes and brush for nesting.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by him at the Painted Wren Gallery.