05/28/2026
Many years ago, we rescued a Blue Jay nestling after it had been regurgitated by a black snake. Although the tiny bird was alive, it was clearly in shock and struggling to breathe. After a great deal of care and patience, we were able to nurse the bird back to health and eventually release it into the woods as a healthy adult. The experience left a lasting impression on us, inspiring Pen to create the first image in 2003. In 2023, she once again returned to the Blue Jay as her subject. One of Missouri’s most recognizable backyard birds, the Blue Jay continues to captivate with its beauty, intelligence, and spirited presence.
