But there is one bird-feeder bully that I'm particularly fond of:-- Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristat). Why do I tolerate these birds' behavior? - Because they're native, they don't travel in large numbers and they've got personality...
In the same family as Crows, Ravens and Magpies, Blue Jays are well known for their intelligence and curiosity. Like Ravens, they're attracted to shiny objects and similar to a Magpie they can mimic other bird calls. I've heard them do their "hawk imitation" when approaching a feeder to scare the other birds away. Sure they might be noisy and rude, but I prefer to think of them as just a little smarter and more out-going than the rest!
Blue Jay calls: Click for Sound & Click for Sound
For additional bird info and photography, visit World Bird Wednesday and Bird Photography Weekly.
Good photos!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this informative post. Great shots of a very beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteNice week.
You are so right! I've heard them screech just like a hawk. Since I have my chickens free ranging, every time I hear a hawk I break into frantic hand clapping. Then 9 times out of 10 I look over and there's a Blue Jay sitting on a branch just watching me get wound up. I swear one of them does it on purpose just to see me clap. Does that make them smarter than me?
ReplyDeletethe wanna be country girl - Caroline
Great photos and I like your characterization of the Blue Jays. They sound like interesting birds to have around.
ReplyDeleteONE of my favorites too--great photos!
ReplyDeleteWell I like Starlings ... great imitators. Our Jay is not as obliging as your lovely Blue.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Blue Jay; and like Frank, I love Starlings too. I love all birds ;)
ReplyDeleteWe had at least a dozen Blue Jays all winter, but suddenly they have all gone except one pair. I'm asuming they must be searching for their nesting areas. Aoround here they are the bullies and constantly arguing with each other.
ReplyDeleteYou have gotten some super pictures of those beautiful blue feathers.
B.
My sentiments exactly. Great photos of the jay.
ReplyDeleteYou've got stunning Jays! This last year we had a new kind of Jay I'd never seen before and they travel in large groups- but they aren't a nuisance at all...so far. They're called Pinyon Jays and they aren't around long.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean by the starlings- we shoot them with a harmless air pellet gun (maybe I need to upgrade as you can legally trap and kill them here!) They were brought over to take care of the larvae to those big mosquito hawk bugs- they're larvae (also called leather jackets) are tough to crack and are in lawns- they're the only bird that can do it, I guess. Ended up being a bad idea!
I LOVE Blue Jays! They don't seem to bother the birds at my feeder - although I have heard others say that they can be pesky :) Lovely captures!
ReplyDeleteLovely bird such a beautiful colour.
ReplyDeleteYour Chickens are beautiful, and so is the coop where they stay..How blessed you are to have chickens...I want them too , but this HOA doesn't allow it...:o(
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you what, that green glass really sets off your blue jay dramatically. I love these captures. Well done!
ReplyDeleteLove 'em! They're handsome and intelligent and seem to have a sense of humor. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous you have Blue Jays! I just put a lovely Bird Feeder (http://www.robertdyas.co.uk/C~200270~Bird+Care) But so far I just have starlings and sparrows.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the Blue Jays Rebecca! I really enjoy watching all the Corvids. Like you say, they are intelligent and have personality. I also agree with your assessment of the European Starling. I hope they forever stay away from my backyard.
ReplyDeleteYou have such beautiful birds where you live...I love seeing the photos you post.
ReplyDeleteVery Interesting blog. I am now a follower. I thought you might want to check out Paradox Principles as well.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Bob West
http://westbob.blogspot.com/2011/03/reversing-your-thinking.html
He's beautiful. I'm amused by them too and always have to do a double-take when I hear the hawk near my birdfeeder tree to see if it's real or if it's a Blue Jay "memorex".
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