This male has been so beautifully red this year, but he is very skittish and non-assertive. His mate is much more outgoing and easy for me to catch.

I saw him pop up in the pine tree the birds all stage from to come get some peanuts from me. The jays usually beat him to them and he either flies off or is left with nothing after letting them have first shot.

He hoped around to a few branches planning his moves… And that of course got the attention of the jays there were new peanuts! 😔

I was trying to get focused on him in the tree, but he chose that moment to fly over. I quickly tried to refocus my binoculars and managed to snap this photo of his disappointment in getting nothing but empty shells once more.

Better luck next time!

This one immediately before picking up the nut came out pretty well too.

Pennsylvania, US Pixel 7 > cheap binocs > dirty patio door

  • cfi@lemmy.worldEnglish
    12·
    2 days ago

    The first photo shows his disappointment while the second shows his optimism mere moments before.

    Also both shots are gorgeous.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      9·
      2 days ago

      Thank you! I’m glad you like them.

      My heart goes out to this little guy. He’s so handsome and looks so bold and impressive, but he’s such a wimp! 😁

      I’ll even slingshot peanuts out right under him, but he hesitates so long that a jay or squirrel will get it, or he just gets scared off by the peanut itself!

      Lady Cardinal ends up getting way more than he does, but she’s still a bit nervous of the jays.

      For the record, I have never in my 3 years of really watching them seen the jays pick on anyone smaller than them, just each other, crows, and the hawk.