...Flirtation...

I snapped several hundred shots of the blue jays this morning, but this one is the one that is special to me. Far from technically perfect, but it perfectly captured a moment...

As usual, about a half dozen of my blue feathered friends were enjoying the morning offering of peanuts and suet crumble. And, as is normal in the last week or so, a few spats broke out.

But, then I noticed one jay patiently sitting on one of the deck-branches, watching while the other picked up and measured different pieces of suet. Finally he hopped over to present her with a prized morsel. But, no, she wasn't having any of it! As you can see here, she averted her head and blatantly refused to take his proffered treat. Horrors. What is a boy to do? After another failed attempt to win his lady's favors, he hopped up the branch and ate the treat himself while she flew off.

I wonder if she was irritated with him about something, or if she didn't find his offering to be suitable, or if she was just engaging in a bit of flirtation by being hard to get? I also wonder if this is a new couple of one that is just "reaffirming" their vows? Blue jays are said to form monogamous pair bonds for life, but as with many life-mated birds, they go through courtship rituals in the spring.

Off to have sushi with some friends tonight - yum! Then, corned beef and potatoes tomorrow in celebration of St. Paddy's day. Then, water and crackers on Sunday ...

Happy Friday, blippers!

Post script: Happy to report that I've seen several additional offerings accepted, presumably by the same couple. She sits to one side while he diligently pecks out a piece of suet, then hops over and gently places it in her open beak. Hoping to get a shot of that in the next few days...