When visiting Big Bend National Park, one can be assured of seeing unforgettable landscapes and plenty of wildlife. Black bears, for example, have made a remarkable comeback to the area. On one of our trips to the park in September 2018, we saw three black bears in different places.
Another common sight in Big Bend NP is the Mexican Blue Jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi). The Mexican Blue Jay can be spotted in oak-pine woodlands, scrublands, and mountainous regions in the southwestern United States (West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) and Mexico. They are easily found because of their size and distinct blue color. Also, they are very social birds and can be found in large groups. Besides the Window Trail in Big Bend, I’ve also seen a few Mexican Blue Jays on the Lost Mine Trail.
During a hike to the Window, we spotted three Mexican Blue Jays when we stopped at the end of that trail. It seemed they were making a nest, but we couldn’t see that. They were not afraid of us at all. They would stay close by watching us — just as much as we were watching them.
Mexican Jays are larger than the regular Blue Jays. They measure around 11.4 inches (29 cm) in length and weigh 4.2-4.8 ounces (120-135 grams). Typically, they are medium-sized birds. That bird in the photo above was about 3 feet (1 meter) away from us.
That’s the story behind the shots. If you liked these photos, you might also be interested in other posts featuring Big Bend NP, Bird of the Week, Blue Jay, Lost Mine Trail, Mexican Jay, National Parks, Sunday Stills, Texas, Wildlife, and The Window. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For I.J. Khanewala Bird of the Week CI and Terri’s Watching and Feeding the #Birds.
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Terri Webster Schrandt
Fabulous images of the Mexican Blue Jay, Egidio! They are good-sized! We rarely see Jays in Eastern Washington, so these were a treat. Appreciate your link to Sunday Stills!
Egidio Leitao
You’re very welcome, Terri. I’ll drop a note on your blog in case others may miss the ping.
Anne Sandler
What a beautiful bird Egidio. Our blue jays aren’t that big.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne. Our blue jays are regular size, but these Mexican blue jays are clearly larger than a regular blue jay.
Bay Photos By Donna
Very pretty, love the bright blue coloring!
Writing to Freedom
That is a beautiful blue in the Mexican Jays. I haven’t seen them in person.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Brad. I’ve only seen them in Big Bend. They stand out for their larger size and striking blues.
norasphotos4u
Beautiful!!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the compliment, Nora.
I. J. Khanewala
Great photos, and thanks for the introduction to a completely new bird.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, I.J. When thinking about what I was going to contribute, I tried to find a bird that was from this area. I’m glad it worked.
Natalie
Beautiful birds and photos. Egidio. We have the regular blue jays and Toronto baseball team is named Toronto Blue Jays.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Natalie. I appreciated the compliment. We have the regular-sized blue jay here, too.
Dawn M. Miller
What a vibrant blue!
Egidio Leitao
Electric blue, isn’t it?
nesfelicio
Beautiful blue bird! Great photos.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Nes.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
What a beautiful bird Egídio, they look bigger than the blue jays we see here too 😊
Egidio Leitao
That’s also true here. Regular jays are a bit smaller. Thanks for your compliment.
Toonsarah
What a striking bird and such a gorgeous shade of blue!
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, they stand out wherever they are. Thanks for commenting.
Vicki
What a beautiful blue bird and your photos of it are excellent.
Don’t you love it when you can get a great shot at such a close distance.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, yes, it’s great when one doesn’t even need a zoom lens. Blue jays are known for not fearing humans. Blue jays are greedy and will approach us for food if they see a window. Thank you for your compliment.
Alison
Wonderful shots Edigio of a beautiful bird
Egidio Leitao
I’m happy you liked the shots, Alison. Thanks.