No wonder these little guys are tired, they are growing so fast. I can't believe how much they change every time I pop in on them. I think I spooked mama Jay today, she and hubby were shrieking at me as I was taking their kid's portraits. I was expected to get swooped upon (but didn't).

I was able to walk around to the other side of the tree and it turns out it has a much better view of the nest. I am not sure why I never saw this earlier. The best part about this angle is that the sun is pretty much to my back from this angle (I go around noon, so it is a slight "to my back").

They are starting to get their feathers and it looks painful with these barbs pushing out of their skin. This guy looks to have a bit of a scratch on him, I think it is from one of his siblings moving around in the nest, probably stuck him with a feather thing. I have to admit that I don't see any of this detail when I am at the nest taking the pictures. Remember, these guys are about the size of a computer mouse (tops), there is a lot more detail when you blow them up to 2 - 3 times their size.

I didn't bring a drinking glass with me today so no "through the drinking glass" shots. I actually thought about going to the kitchen store and getting some different glasses. I'd have to ask the clerk if they could recommend a good glass, something "L" quality...

Here are the other Blue Jay shots that didn't make the PaD: