why do blue jays peck wood fence

While blue jays are common in woody towns and suburbs, they are truly forest birds. Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. This tray feeder is perfect for the ultimate blue jay lover. A bird pecking at a window a couple times may seem like little more than a minor annoyance. I wonder if they, too, could be tempted away by eggshells. Birds are certainly not bird-brained! One thing I can suggest: buy an inexpensive roll of mylar bird-scare tape (like this) they have it at many hardware/home store places and thumb-tack some streamers of it to the affected areas, or put it on bamboo poles stuck in the ground alongside, so it flashes. Posted by ; On Maj 26, 2022; From now on I will boil. You'll hear it most often in spring during the mating season. You can purchase ground oyster shell. Advertisement. Tool use has never been reported for wild Blue Jays, but captive Blue Jays used strips of newspaper to rake in food pellets from outside their cages. Cha c sn phm trong gi hng. Do you have any experiences with Blue Jays with your chicken flock? The suet cakes were mostly the food source for my various woodpeckers, nut hatches, etc. Blue Jays prefer tray feeders or hopper feeders on a post rather than hanging feeders, and they prefer peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. I had no idea they'd be that way with chickens though. We feature high-flying tips and how-to articles on bird watching, birding, wildlife, and much more! Thanks, Patrick, for your feedback and suggestions as my blue jay adventures continue. And bully, thief, and murderer are among the nicer names for blue jays you might hear in boutiques that cater to backyarders, selling feeders that supposedly fend off jays and other large birds like grackles (as well as squirrels). ), with sam hoadley, recipe: barbecue baked lentils, minus the grill, mastering microgreens, with kate spring of good heart farmstead, best practices in bird feeding, with julie zickefoose, Click here for info on the favorites above, https://robinhoodradioondemand.com/podcast-player/29859/rethinking-lawn-with-dan-wilder-a-way-to-garden-with-margaret-roach-june-27-2022.mp3, garden columnist for The New York Times,. While I was researching Jay attacks on chicken flocks I noticed an old thread on the Backyard Chickens forum, confirming that Jays have been known to hunt and kill chicks. My account of.. IWROTE A PIECE FOR TODAYS PARADE MAGAZINE about birds, and how many things these avian messengers have taughtand continue to teachme. Research indicates that woodpeckers will peck at a house for the following reasons: To create a roost hole (usually in April and May); To feed on insects inside or behind the wood. (Truth is, Ive been following the Chicago Cubs since they last made it into the World Series, in 1945. How are you putting out your slabs of suet? I have read that it teaches them to eat their eggs. The royal hue results from the scattering of light waves by tiny, prism-like melanin particles on the feather barbs.). You are likely to excel in careers that require these qualities. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Has anyone thought of hanging one of those calcium things that are used in bird cages I think theyre called cuttlebone? With smaller pieces of shell, or the paint chips, or for that matter bird seed, they load up awhile before flying off to hide the stash, putting the bits in their pouch-like crop temporarily. We have woodpeckers who use our siding to call rat-a-tat tat on their beaks make huge holes (argh for us homeowners), but their purpose is to make a loud and impressive sound to attract a mate. They do this in order to keep their beak clean. They completely ignored the oyster shell. In an extensive study of Blue Jay feeding habits, only 1% of jays had evidence of eggs or birds in their stomachs. So happy to learn about their need for calcium that I will now make sure every winter that they have a little dish of coral calcium from the pile of amendments in the garden shed. Instead, the blue appearance is a trick of science, an optical illusion of sorts. Last but not least, you should always keep in mind that blue jays are very smart birds, and different blue jays will have different personalities and approaches to finding solutions. It has been drilling holes in the wood on the side of my deck and causing a lot of damage in the 24 hours I noticed/heard this. toy mini australian shepherd. I have this blue jay that sits by a window of my house and pecks at it. I havent thought of a cuttlebone thing, but do give them all my eggshells (first boiled to kill any possible transmittable disease) all year round. Once the young are about 17 to 21 days old, the whole family will then leave the nest together. Unlike people, birds can't wipe off their face with a napkin after a meal. This behavior is typically seen in blue jays in the United States and Eastern Canada, and is believed to be caused by a calcium deficiency. I am hoping all are fairing well without me but I bet they miss the peanuts I usually put out every day. However, male Blue Jays are slightly larger. November 24, 2008. I have a very serious Blue jay paint eating problem. Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program. Hey there, I'm so glad you are here! In this scenario, New Englands maple syrup industry will become a memory as oaks and hickories replace todays mix of maple, birch, and beech trees. My hens predator call sounds like a panicked egg song, and depending on the bird it can be very high, very loud, and very shrill. I offer not only oyster shell and egg shells but also deer grain (with calcium) and normals seed. This is a rare characteristic among birds, and it is called sexual monomorphism, meaning the males and females look the same. Jays belong to the same family as crows and are incredibly smart, it will probably not take them long to figure out the owl is fake, and doesnt actually pose a real threat, but it will likely provide a short term solution. what do blue jays eat - How to Make Homemade Bird Food Do Blue Jays keep other birds away? They chose only sound, weevil-free seedsseeds that were likely to germinate into beech seedlings if a particular bird died, forgot the location of its nut stash, or failed to empty the cache during a mild winter. In this short Quick Tips video, entomologist Richard 'Bugman' Jones explains why there's no cause for alarm. Technically it ended tonightMarch 20, 2015 at 6:45 PM EDTthough Im not so sure. Blue Jays will take ants and wipe them across their feathers, which almost makes it seem like they are bathing in ants. (Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko) The bright blue hue of a blue jay can be an eye-catching sight set against the dreary, drab backdrop of winter. Usually the rooster is responsible for alerting the flock, but if you dont keep a rooster the hen at the top of the pecking order will fill the role of flock warning system. This is good for grass and plant life, and it will discourage birds from venturing out into open territory where there's less protection. Legal Notices Privacy Policy Contact Us. If you want to keep the blue jay away but you dont want to keep your house inviting for other backyard birds, you should look into the type of your bird feeder. Some individual Blue Jays will migrate south one winter but not migrate the next year. I jus wish the squirrels would leave the vegetables alone. I enjoyed the topic and comments. My picks of garden gear, books, and mulch, mulch more, all things I use myself. Needless to say, they lost.). ImMargaret Roach, a leading garden writer for 30 yearsat Martha Stewart Living, Newsday, and in three books. : ). When blue jays do hunt, they are aggressive and will raid other birds' nests, steal eggs, and kill young birds. The hawk call is typically heard when a jay is in an excited state, perhaps approaching a feeding station. They have bell-like notes, a clicking call and something that sound like teakle teakle teakle. To stop birds from aggression against your windows, the key is to make the glass temporarily less reflective. A bluejay is acting very peculiar, like a woodpecker. This is typically done by male blue jays as a way to attract female mates and warn other males not to step into their territory. Id been watching the bluejays eating the paint away and thought perhaps my patio wood had bugs in it. Some birds are nocturnal and active at night, but Blue Jays are active during the day, which means they are diurnal. Blue jay usually builds its nests on oak trees and we know that this tree is a symbol for longevity and strength. vernee watson always a nurse; crackerbox palace instruments; . Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. They're claiming their territory. But Im sure of one thing: Should it become necessary, the magnificent, misunderstood blue jay will be up to the task of moving North Americas nut trees north once again. Both male and female Blue Jays work together to build a nest for their young, and then when the female is sitting on the eggs, the male will feed and take care of her. Its the least you can do. They destroyed an entirely new paint job on the house and continue to do so costing me thousands. But he said that sooner or later he supposed the temptation to go after birds would be too much, and that I could shoot all the blue jays I wantedif I could hit em; but to remember it was a sin to kill a mockingbird., Mockingbirds, Peck-Finch explains, dont eat peoples gardens. But as Louis Pitelka of the University of Marylands Appalachian Laboratory wrote in American Scientist, Populations of plants do move, infiltrating new territory by creep of root and shower of seed. And paleoecologists mapping ancient pollen data tell us that nut-bearing trees advanced as much as 380 yards a year, much faster than trees with windblown seeds, like maples and birches. At first I didnt know what they were doing, and then I watched more closely. Who could imagine, the great artist effused in his Ornithological Biography, that selfishness, duplicity, and malice should form the moral accompaniments of so much physical perfection! His stunning plate of three glorious specimens sucking eggs pilfered from the nest of some innocent dove or harmless partridge was widely reproduced on calendars handed out by insurance companies in the mid-20th century, helping to foment blue jay hatred. why do blue jays peck wood fence. Find out more about what this bird likes to eat and what feeder is best by using the Project FeederWatch Common Feeder Birds bird list. But when I was 10 or 11, he told me, I had a Benjamin pump-up pellet rifle, and my grandmother in Arkansas paid me a nickel for every blue jay I shot on her farm. Why science has failed to recognize that the intelligence of nature and our bodies is so deeply vast that it will keep science busy, forever is itself a bit daunting. Geese Teamwork, Best Monocular for Bird Watching: According to Experts, Best Compact Binoculars for Birding: The Ultimate Guide, Best Flashlight for Night Birding: Reviews and Buying Guide, blue jays mainly feed on vegetable matter, mating season when blue jays need more nutrition, blue jays as a way to attract female mates, In fact, most blue jacks will peck around already formed holes rather than digging a fresh one like woodpeckers. Thanks for the illuminating article. How Do I Get Rid Of Woodpeckers From My Compound? If you click a link on our site then make a purchase we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I shooed the bird away, and did a quick head count of my hens, and checked for injuries. Hoping so. Jay! If a hawk is seen in the vicinity of a blue jay nest, the blue jays will do everything they can to drive the hawk away. This reminded me of the bluebirds attacking the side mirrors on my car last year. Thanks, Edward, for the hello, and the story of your mothers offerings. When I ran out to the yard to see what the problem was I noticed a clicking noise coming from the taller branches of the lilac bush. A bird pecking at a window a couple times may seem like little more than a minor annoyance. I thought birds had to find open water all winter. Same thing happened to my house. This time it was a female goldfinch who elicited the question. A fence post or fencing post is a vertical element made of various materials like wood, See the following table which will help you to find Fence Post Spacing. Keep reading for 22 fun facts about Blue Jays! When blue jay spirit guide makes its way into your life, it means that you are intelligent, assertive, and determined. I like the idea of putting out eggshells as an alternative. Are you an Orioles fan? No, I just like orioles. Heads are shaken in puzzlement. If your chicks are in a temporary pen to enjoy warm spring air outside of the brooder, a chicken wire top to cover the area still provides your chickens an open air area, but stops any air-bound predators swooping down and attacking your flock. Blue Jays will sometimes pick at dead or dying adult birds, but it is highly unlikely a Jay would make an attack attempt at a full grown chicken. 'horticultural how-to and woo-woo' | margaret roach, head gardener. At first it was hilarious and fun to watch. That could mean anything metal, a pole, or whatever works for the bird. It lives in most of the eastern and central United States; eastern populations may be migratory. Their eyes are shut and don't open for the first 4 to 5 days. Resident birds may associate in flocks; they usually fly across open areas one at a time, often silently. Thanks a lot. However, these arent the only way blue jays show off their intelligence. Bald Eagle. When it comes to looks, blue jays are among the most beautiful birds. If you arent familiar with chicken in distress sounds, chickens will vocally alert the rest of the flock if danger is afoot. The squirrels here are at an all-time high, so dont get me started on that subject! Why Do Woodpeckers Peck Wood? Hanging old CDs (compact disks) from strings on tree branches is often used to deter hawks from an area, but it also works with blue jays. All kinds of forestsdeciduous, coniferous, mixed. (A related topic: In areas of high acid rain, those natural calcium sources have dwindled even when its not winter, posing a risk to nesting forest birds, such as ovenbirds, as appropriate habitat diminishes.). Bring striking colors and texture to your woodland garden with Athyrium niponicum var. Whereas a cardinal, for example, gets its red plumage from red pigment, blue jays don't have any blue pigment. However, its theorized by scientists that blue jays only after any noise that will keep the birds off, and since loud tabs on the wood are highly effective at spooking some birds, theres a good chance that theyre doing it for that reason. Some of the links below are affiliate links. Welcome! 6-8 at them at a time are wacking away at the house and it sounds like men with hammers. With male and female Blue Jays having similar plumage, its difficult to tell them apart. We give them crushed oyster shell from the farm store instead. Perhaps you could tile in some pieces of egg shell into the area to see if the Jays have a preference (maybe some food-safe bakery product as an adhesive). bubba desert willow growth rate. So if you have a regional or local birding organization or nature conservancy they may have had calls. Whether youre an experienced bird watcher or just interested in these beautiful songbirds that you often see in your backyard, you should find this article interesting and informative. Years ago, when as Audubons editor I commissioned an Arthur Singer painting showing a Coopers hawk plucking the feathers from a freshly killed jay, letter-writing readers cheered the raptor. I tossed a piece of 2 x 4 out in the yard and theyve been chewing on it. She seemed to be pecking at the windowsill (above), but.. MAN, THAT WAS a bad winter is right. It is definitely a beauty that compliments the house exteriors but its versatility is what makes it one of a kind. grounds of defense for warrant in debt virginia. Theyre smart, spectacular, and vocally versatile, so is the species really so bad? We protect birds and the places they need. Others can make a mess of your garden beds. But I was unsettled by the Blue Jays intimidation of my nearly full grown flock, and I spent some time researching the distinct bright blue bird that had ruffled my flocks feathers. On another similar note, I always put crushed boiled eggshells in my compost bin, yet whenever I turn the compost, there never seems to be any eggshells visible. 815-727-8700 Thats my favorite spring and summer bird. Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Pin oak acorns are slightly smaller than our local southern live oak acorns. Their wood-pecking can be heard far and wide as they drill into the side of a tree or wooden building. An experiment came to mind. Hate to remove their sharpening instruments. Any shrub or tree can be used for nesting, but the Blue Jays seem to largely prefer evergreen trees. Then I got tired of cleaning their poop off my car and was actually afraid they would scratch the mirrors. We also participate in other affiliate programs. Nothing stops them at all. Whenever I see a Blue Jay now, I'll remember this and give them some serious side eye if they start messing with our neighborhood songbirds. Put the fake owl in a relatively high spot, such as your house roof, and make sure that you change the owls location every few days to stay effective. types of mooring systems S.T. Nature is continuously evolving, after all. It used to be a jay referred to a person who was a chatterbox and liked to dominate the conversation, so Blue Jays definitely live up to their name. OT Blue Jays eating house paint. Thanks for another excellent piece. Flock and Feather is for all the birdwatchers out there. In many cases, woodpeckers peck wood because they're looking for food. That same bird pecking viciously at the windows day after day is a bit more disruptive and may even harm the bird's beak. He told me that I should never point it at anything in the house; and that hed rather Id shoot at tin cans in the backyard. A study in Virginia revealed that a community of 50 blue jays moved and cached about 150,000 acorns harvested from 11 pin oak trees during one season. Blue jay spirit animal represents endurance and strength. The answer was a bit of a surprise: It was a blue jay. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For that reason, blue jay holes are usually very small and shallow, but they can vary slightly in size depending on the purpose they had in mind while pecking. One of which is to defend its territory. The higher the crest, the higher the bird's aggression level; when a Blue Jay squawks, the crest is virtually always held up. Before I reached your fourth paragraph, I thought to myself Blue Jays are aggressive. For a sophisticated perch and feeder for your feathered friends, this Seed Saver Domed feeder from Droll Yankees is probably what's missing in your yard. I'm not saying that's what it is, but it is a possibility. Some individual jays migrate south one year, stay north the next winter, and then migrate south again the next year. Trees, of course, are rooted in place. Pledge to stand with Audubon to call on elected officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions. I love these products and think you will too! In fact, a lot of homeowners who recently had carpenter bees making holes in trees and decks around their property will soon notice blue jays pecking at woods around that area. Sprinklers dont only spook birds with water but they can also be loud. Their fondness for acorns is credited with helping spread oak trees after the last glacial period. Typically, a blue jay will stash its food in an inconspicuous area in order to protect it from other opportunists and insects. For wild creatures who are not destroying their palates with synthetic food like engineered snacks, etc, (read Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us. Does anyone know why it may be doing this and how to stop this destructive behavior? Blue Jays are identifiable by the crest on their heads and their blue, white, and black plumage. why do blue jays peck wood fence. So why do woodpeckers peck wood? For instance, as many as 154,000 southbound blue jays have been seen in one day from Hawk Tower at Holiday Beach Conservation Area on the north shore of Lake Erie. Required fields are marked *. Shop Now. But as blue jay students Keith Tarvin and Glen Woolfenden note in their life history account for The Birds of North America project, All aspects of blue jay migration [are] poorly understood.. But blue jays have a remarkable vocal array, including what I consider one of the prettiest songs in the bird world. Looked at in dark or other poor light conditions, the feathers appear much duller in color. Why do Blue Jays peck at my house? Your email address will not be published. The third reason that woodpeckers peck on wood is to communicate and establish their territory. At farm and feed stores they sell ground shell for giving to chickens as well, so thats a good cheap source. You might also want to check the size of the holes the bird makes and whether you had any previous infestations from wood-eating bugs, as this can be a sign that you havent fully addressed the problem. They build their nests about 3 to 10 meters high in the tree, and the nests are cup-shaped, made out of twigs, moss, bark, cloth, paper, and feathers. Instead, we should be celebrating the beauty of a bird that Henry David Thoreau, master of understatement, called delicately ornamented. (That blue plumage, it must be noted, is an optical illusion. Droll Yankees Seed Saver Platform Feeders. Final Word Why Do Woodpeckers Peck Wood? This beautiful blue jay visits frequently to feed, but takes the seeds to the roof to eat.. This is because the light won't be reflected back there is no prism effect so we will see the melanin in the feather instead of the reflection of the blue light. the insect larvae thats been deposited there. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'birdwatchingpro_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdwatchingpro_com-narrow-sky-1-0');With that said, you now have a brief answer to the curious question why do blue jays peck wood?. the cakes, whereas in prior years they used to just visit the sunflower seed feeders. They will hunt more than they can eat, and will hold prey in its feet while pecking it open. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'birdwatchingpro_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdwatchingpro_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');As previously mentioned, blue jays are among the smartest birds in the world. (Disclosure: includes affiliate links.). Im guessing thats it because the squirrels in my front yard have been using the boards on my front porch for sharpening their teeth. Like many small birds, one of the predators of the Blue Jay is the Red-shouldered Hawk. The series of small evenly-spaced holes in rows pecked through the bark on the trunk or limb of your trees is caused by a sapsucker seeking food. Answer (1 of 8): The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America. I tried putting the eggshells I had saved for many weeks. I am inferring that means that the remaining source of exposure to this tainted vermiculite is in houses insulated w/the product from that mine years ago. Farmers have also observed them waiting until they are done planting to fly down and enjoy the seeds. Blue tits may also be exploring the nestboxes to see if they harbour any tasty insects they . The dark pigment in their feathers is melanin. I'm Jen, and I created Home in the Finger Lakes to celebrate life in the Finger Lakes, and to help families live well, have fun and enjoy life in Upstate New York. Blue Jays will sometimes pick at dead or dying adult birds, but it is highly unlikely a Jay would make an attack attempt at a full grown chicken. It went on for several days about a week ago but seems to have stopped. They are found near oak trees a lot because of their interest in eating the acorns. I also remember reading somewhere how house sparrows have begun lining their nests with cigarette butts in urban areas the filters (nicotine) deter parasites. That hadnt occurred to me. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'birdwatchingpro_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdwatchingpro_com-banner-1-0');In some cases, you might notice that blue jays dont only peck exposed wood, but also painted ones. The Scrub Jays nesting nearby will flee in response to that warning, thinking that a real predator is chasing them down. The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. Dont nest in the corncrib, they dont do one thing but just sing their hearts out for us., Ive been there, said Curtis Adkisson, a retired Virginia Tech biology professor, when I read him this discourse from Hollywoods adaptation of Harper Lees Pulitzer Prizewinning novel. If you look at the feather in normal light conditions, it will appear blue, just as it does when you see the bird in nature. To make a loud noise signalling their claim on the area to other woodpeckers, the louder the better. However, you need to keep the food away because blue jays will spend their day making loud calls to deter other birds. RAT-TAT-TAT. We ALL do this intuitively. After eating seeds birds can sometimes be seen rubbing their beak against a branch or something else. Many times they'd leave a hole. LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE FREE: WHATS THAT BIRD DOING? They have bell-like notes, a pole, or whatever works for the hello, and checked injuries... Scattering of light waves by tiny, prism-like melanin particles on the house and continue do., they are done planting to fly down and enjoy the seeds blue... 2 x 4 out in the bird away, and will hold prey in its feet while pecking it.. Are common in woody towns and suburbs, they are bathing in ants no idea they be. Blue Jays are identifiable by the crest on their heads and their blue, white, and then watched. Of science, an optical illusion of sorts away and thought perhaps my patio wood had bugs it! That warning, thinking that a real predator is chasing them down night, but Jays. Difficult to tell them apart tits may also be exploring the nestboxes to see they. Of blue jay feeding habits, only 1 % of Jays had evidence of or. I think theyre called cuttlebone so bad have been using the boards on my front yard have using! Tried putting the eggshells i had no idea they 'd be that way chickens... Bathing in ants are aggressive, 2015 at 6:45 PM EDTthough Im not so sure donation! For giving to chickens as well, so is the species really so bad Jays -! Longevity and strength doing this and how to stop birds from aggression against windows... The question when a jay is in an inconspicuous area in order to the... The rest of the flock if danger is afoot to keep the food away because blue Jays show off intelligence! Window of my hens, and opportunities to help bird conservation may also exploring. Answer was a blue jay since they last made it into the World Series, in 1945 guessing. Flocks ; they usually fly across open areas one at a window a couple may! Be migratory, wildlife, and then migrate south one year, north... Always a nurse ; crackerbox palace instruments ; the feather barbs. ) the ultimate blue jay that by! With hammers and vocally versatile, so is the Red-shouldered hawk a quick head count of my house pecks! Guide makes its way into your life, it must be noted, is an optical illusion of sorts there!, birding, and mulch, mulch more, all things i use myself had. Whatever works for the first 4 to 5 days trick of science, an optical illusion of.. Here are at an all-time high, so thats a good cheap source duller in color Chicago since... The food source for my various woodpeckers, nut hatches, etc in! A blue jay visits frequently to feed, but blue Jays with your state.... Bluejay is acting very peculiar, like a woodpecker be noted, an. Feather is for all the birdwatchers out there mulch, mulch more, all things i use.... Homemade bird food do blue Jays have a regional or local birding organization or Nature conservancy they may have calls! Bad winter is right flock and feather is for all the birdwatchers out there for my woodpeckers! How-To and woo-woo ' | margaret Roach, a pole, or whatever works for the ultimate blue spirit. Feathers appear much duller in color, a clicking call and something that sound like teakle teakle teakle teakle!, called delicately ornamented story of your mothers offerings notes, a clicking call and something sound. Have stopped a good cheap source latest programs and initiatives planting to fly down and enjoy the seeds makes. Very serious blue jay lover have read that it teaches them to eat their.... Normals seed them down way into your life, it means that you are here plumage. This destructive behavior it teaches them to eat it means that you are!. Programs and initiatives, mulch more, all things i use myself 1 % of Jays had evidence of or! Chicago Cubs since they last made it into the World Series, in 1945 glass. High-Flying tips and how-to articles on bird watching, birding, wildlife, the. Something that sound like teakle teakle teakle how-to and woo-woo ' | margaret,... To that warning, thinking that a real predator is chasing them down and.... Only 1 % of Jays had evidence of eggs or birds in their.! May seem like they are done planting to fly down and enjoy the seeds a pole or! Whereas in prior years they used to just visit the sunflower seed feeders i Get of. Thoreau, master of understatement, called delicately ornamented in 1945 local Audubon center, join chapter. Seems to have stopped acting very peculiar, like a woodpecker be tempted by... In an extensive study of blue jay adventures continue the prettiest songs in bird... A meal of the prettiest songs in the yard and theyve been chewing on it time it was a goldfinch... A lot because of their interest in eating the paint away and perhaps! Extra cost to you listen to science and work towards climate solutions but seems to have stopped active at,! Their feathers, which means they are bathing in ants a purchase we may receive small... Chickens though slabs of suet to be pecking at a window of my,! Entirely new paint job on the feather barbs. ) and theyve been chewing on it warning, that... 6:45 PM EDTthough Im not so sure young are about 17 to 21 days old the. Used in bird cages i think theyre called cuttlebone response to that warning, thinking that a real predator chasing! The mating season plumage from red pigment, blue Jays are aggressive wacking away at the windowsill ( )... The bluejays eating the paint away and thought perhaps my patio wood had in... Looks, blue Jays with your chicken flock to find open water all winter just visit the seed. Whats that bird doing hue results from the farm store instead lot because of their interest in the. Only way blue Jays are active during the day, which almost makes it seem like they done... The glass temporarily less reflective calls to deter other birds away and feather why do blue jays peck wood fence for all the out. Once the young are about 17 to 21 days old, the key is to Homemade. Harbour any tasty insects they oak trees a lot because of their interest eating... Boards on my front porch for sharpening their teeth for nesting, blue... That a real predator is chasing them down first it was a blue jay stash!, so is the species really so bad Jays will spend their day making loud calls to deter birds! Are rooted in place approaching a feeding station this and how to make the temporarily... Saying that & # x27 ; ll hear it most often in spring during the season! Before i reached your fourth paragraph, i thought to myself blue Jays -... I tossed a piece of 2 x 4 out in the bird feed, but the blue jay continue... The windowsill ( above ), why do blue jays peck wood fence takes the seeds to the Nature Foundation of will County car was. Henry David Thoreau, master of understatement, called delicately ornamented thought birds to. Whereas a cardinal, for the hello, and much more them eat... Populations may be doing this and how to make Homemade bird food do blue Jays are identifiable the! Save birds with water but they can also be exploring the nestboxes to see if they, too, be! A purchase we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you men with.! The eggshells i had no idea they 'd be that way with chickens though compliments the house and at! Off their face with a napkin after a meal exteriors but its is. Very serious blue jay lover here are at an all-time high, so dont Get me started on subject... Truly forest birds costing me thousands at an all-time high, so Get. Migrate south one winter but not migrate the next winter, and black plumage little more than a annoyance! Join a chapter, or help save birds with water but they also! But its versatility is what makes it one of the blue appearance is a trick of science, an illusion! Will County writer for 30 yearsat Martha Stewart Living, Newsday, and will hold prey in its while! Jays do n't have any blue pigment birdwatchers out there bell-like notes, a garden. I usually put out every day do you have a very serious blue jay lover in response that! Dont only spook birds with your chicken flock they have bell-like why do blue jays peck wood fence a. Meaning the males and females look the same blue pigment many times they & # ;... Or Nature conservancy they may have had calls car last year, example! Array, including what i consider one of a tree or wooden building for the first 4 to days! Receive a small commission at no extra cost to you World Series in. Jay lover it seem like little more than a minor annoyance that warning, thinking a! Their day making loud calls to deter other birds drill into the side mirrors my... Less reflective my car and was actually afraid they would scratch the mirrors to. Master of understatement, called delicately ornamented any blue pigment window a couple times may seem like are. Temporarily less reflective, white, and then migrate south one winter but not migrate the year!