Bluey

 

Photo Courtesy of Bird Studies Canada - Project Feederwatch.  

This year we have eleven Blue Jays starting out the winter with us. I think they all come from the two families that had young this past summer. Some of the birds have been here for several years and have become not only tame but quite controlling! By controlling I mean that if I'm slow in getting our feeders topped up in the morning, any of the older birds, who I'll name Bluey, will sit on a corner post on the porch and stare in the window. They will stare almost indefinitely; even fluffing up their feathers to get attention. To lock eyes with them is a big mistake - for you soon find yourself putting down your coffee; going downstairs; filling tins with seeds; putting on warm clothing; and going outside to do the topping.

On mornings when I'm on-time for topping up the feeders; I'll go outside with fresh warm seeds and most of the Blue Jays will be patiently perched in the maples - like little soldiers - waiting for me (and sometimes daylight)! They are so fearless they will even come down to the feeders while I'm standing beside the large tray.

Feeding winter birds, especially clever Blue Jays, is quite the experience!