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I spotted this bird at the edge of Stock Ghyll Woods, near Ambleside in the UK's Lake District. The photo is from the start of June (just mentioning as the top feathers seem to be a bit more downy so thought it might be a younger bird, and that may affect the colouring?).

The call seemed more like a caw (than a song-bird for example) but if I remember correctly it kind of trilled the call rather than what a crow would do. Sorry for the vague details! I'm not up on birdwatching terms so hope the description is reasonably clear.

The bird was sitting in thick shrubs/trees but right out by the edge of the road (not deep in the woods) and was perched around waist height (just above & a little in from the railing lining the footpath)

Bird in the woods

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    You can listen to the call here
    – Chris H
    Sep 21, 2021 at 8:07

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I believe that is indeed a young Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_jay

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    This is right. You may be interested in some more discussion on jay plumage (juvenile vs. moulting)
    – Chris H
    Sep 21, 2021 at 8:06
  • @ChrisH — that's a good point re: juvenile vs moulting as it didn't look particularly small. Thanks for adding the call too! That's definitely it
    – anotherdave
    Sep 21, 2021 at 11:41
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    @anotherdave because juveniles are fluffier than adults, in many species they don't look noticeably smaller. Jays also fledge around 22 days and probably don't go far from the nest for a few more days so by the time you see the young they've had time to grow quite a bit
    – Chris H
    Sep 21, 2021 at 11:55

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