Every day I have lunch outside on my patio.  Recently a scrub jay has been visiting me.  My neighbor warned me about this bold bird.  Here's one day's episode.
 

Figure 1.  This little scrub jay, that I've named "Blue Jay" (because it resembles the top-notched cousin in Michigan, where I gerw up), has just come over to see my food offering.  Note the two crumbs I placed on my left knee.  (You may enlarge this image by clicking it.)

But wait!  Is Blue Jay eyeing the crumbs with his right eye, or does he see something else?

Figure 2.  He's ignoring the crumbs!  (Click for bigger image.)

Figure 3.  Oh no!  It's my chips!  (Click for bigger image.)

Figure 4.  And he's hopping to the rim to steal them!  Notice the left leg moving quickly (during the 3 millisecond exposure). (Click for bigger.)

The next picture was a blur, for he too quickly for my camera reflexes grabbed a chip and flew off.  Wait 'til I get my hands on that thief!

On second thought, maybe I'd better NOT get my hands on him - for consider that the birds are descended from dinosaurs.  Let's look at a blow-up of partsof the image in Fig. 2.

Figure 5.  I think he's related to a raptor, a fierce one!  (Click for bigger image.)

Figure 6.  Yikes!  "Want more chips?"  (Click for bigger image.)

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This site opened:  June 1, 2000.  Last Update: June 1, 2000