"Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and complex social systems with tight family bonds. Their fondness for acorns is credited with helping spread oak trees after the last glacial period. 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. The black bridle across the face, nape, and throat varies extensively and may help Blue Jays recognize one another. The oldest known wild, banded Blue Jay lived to be at least 17 years 6 months old." Ref: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Love your bird facts! I never knew how to recognize one blue jay from another & will check out the bridles next time. There is a pair a block away that has been there for years. I hear them call to each other quite often. Once in a while they venture to our bird feeders but not as much any more probably because the price of peanuts went up so high I don't buy them as frequently. Plus when I do put them out the squirrels grab them all in one sitting. This shot is absolutely superb....fav!
I noticed you referenced Cornell Lab of Ornithology for your info about the blue jay. I was wondering if you participate in their Great Backyard Bird Count, where they have hundreds of bird enthusiasts watch and count the birds in their backyards over a few days to help them monitor migrations patterns and get lots of info on bird populations. My brother worked on the software that tracks the patterns from the info they gather. Anyone can participate. Just go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
Astounding photo, Anne. Your knowledge and love for birds shows in your photos. I find myself drawn to that interesting info . . look forward to what you have in your comments. Thanks so much.
It's amazing what you learn on this website! Lots to think about here. Thanks for the info; I have quite a few bluejays in my yard everyday. I never though of counting them. Beautiful picture!!
Nice shot. I' don't mind the bit of blur here as you can tell that he was moving. Nice bokeh too. Thank you for the information too.I never knew they could live so long.
Great shot of this intelligent guy and you've got some lovely bokeh! Thank you for sharing all those facts. I find it interesting that they recognize each other.
