While I have been away from home, I have checked in on a few of my cameras set up on the bird feeders. And the good news is that the Blue Jays have started to return. Last year several sets were hanging out at my house. They must really like the peanuts I buy. My bird feeding operation has me burning through a lot of birdseed every year.
These birds are great at mimicry as well. Right before I left, I had one fool me real good. I was out doing yard work when I heard a hawk calling. I have had several Eurasian-Collared Doves killed by hawks in my backyard. Sometimes a hawk lands and even hangs out looking for an easy meal. I was breaking my neck looking up and around for the raptor. Then I looked over into the trees and could see the splash of blue. I saw the beak open and then heard the hawk call again.
This blue Jay had made a perfect sounding call that a hawk would make. I laughed at myself and the jay. The Corvid family is so smart. Before I lived in town I had a condo in the mountains. I often would have Stellar Jays and Canada Jays. They all had their own personalities and were fun to watch. The same can be said about the Blue Jays. I cannot wait to get home and welcome back these feathered friends.
