MarkyMark's Nature Blog:- The Jay #14

Jay, photo taken from a bird hide in woodland - Photo by Mark Appleton

I live near the woods, so I am lucky enough to take my allocated daily walk there during these times of lock down. I know a lot of people are not as lucky, or don't have a garden, so in these difficult times, I will attempt to bring a little bit of nature to you.

Often while walking up the main paths of the woods, I hear a raucous screech. On other occasions I walk on the narrow paths through the dense woodland and will often see a bird or pair of birds flying through the trees, having been disturbed by my noisy footsteps. This bird is the Jay. I have also found that there is one often nearby when hearing the Nuthatches alarm calls.

Jay in the dense woodland - Photo by Mark Appleton

Jay in the woods - Photo by Mark Appleton

The Jay is a beautiful crow of the woodlands, but can also be seen in parks and on some garden feeders when food is scarce. It has a pinkish body, pale streaked head, black moustache, black tail and thick dark bill. The Jay is noticeable with its large, beautiful, barred, bright blue patch on its wing as well as a white wing panel. It has a large white rump which becomes more noticeable in flight and helps identification. Jay's are very well camouflaged in the dappled woodland light.

Jay in tree - Photo by Mark Appleton

This bird is widespread and common, but not often seen by the general public due to its shy nature. It is most likely to be seen in autumn. At this time, they come out into the open and will be seen flying from oak trees, bills laden with acorns, on their way to burying them in the ground, to be eaten when food is scarce. It can be seen feeding on the ground using long, bouncing or leaping hops. They have amazing memories being able to remember where they bury the acorns. At other times of year, Jays have a large and varied diet, ranging from fruit, nuts, to insects, eggs, nestlings and small mammals.

Jay in woodland - Photo by Mark Appleton

In contrast to the beautiful blue wing panel, some people say the Jay has an ugly voice with its horrific, loud, raucous, rasping call from which the Jay gets its name from. The Jay's song and call can be heard by clicking on this link:- Jay song

Jay -Photo by Mark Appleton

Nesting begins in mid-April. Nest is built of twigs, built by both adults usually on a branch or fork in a tree. The female incubates 4 or 5 eggs for about 18 days. The young are fed by both adults and leave the nest after about 3 weeks. The adults continue to feed the young for a further 6-8 weeks.


Did You Know

• The Jay has a curious habit of allowing ants to run over its plumage. It is believed it is to employ the ants chemical defence's against parasites.
• The Jay's lifespan is 3-5 years.
• If there is a surplus of acorns, some of the acorns that are not retrieved by the Jays grow into new oak trees.

• Males and females are monogamous and usually pair for life.

For more information about the Jay, click on the following useful links:-
RSPB - Jay
Garden Birds - Jay
BTO - Jay

and lastly

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