The other morning I followed the sound of what I thought as a baby Hawk, possibly in need. Walking deeper into the forest as quietly as I could, I stopped often to home in on the intrusive noises. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a young hawk, or at least the nesting site.
I finally found the place where the hawk sounds were the loudest. However, much to my surprise it was not a red-shouldered Hawk that flew out of the tree, but a blue jay to express the same shrill but nasal ‘ keyeer, keeyeer ‘! It was when I knew that I had been fooled by one of the best and most versatile simulators in the world of the bird.
By sounding like a hawk scatter blue jays easily other birds at the feeder. This gives them the freedom to dine at ease with little or no competition. They also have their own form of insect control. Did you know that the blue jays often their feathers with ants comb? Presumably they are using to capture the bugs and lice and other irritating remove parasites. Very clever birds!
For at least 15 years now is every spring there is a very special blue jay who come to my feeder. This jay has always imitated the sound of an old rotary phone is dialed. It is a very unique sound. I must admit that I look forward to every year. I know that the jays are long-lived, and my phone dialer is the proof!
In addition to the raw and sometimes aggressive, blue jays soft and quiet. I watched as two males for the attention of a beautiful soft grey-blue woman competed. They each flew from branch to branch cooing softly and try to get closer to her. Then would a man flying up engaging the female to do the same. The couple drifted gently down into a spiral of unfurled wings, landing on the ground and then retires in separate branches.
This happened several times when every male turns trying to impress the female body with bobbing and soft comforting sounds. All three flew together to another spot in the Woods to repeat the same dance. I can only imagine how long it took that female finally decide which male blue jay had to be her partner. It was fun and fascinating to watch.
Blue Jays are very secretive when it comes to build nests. They make use of alternative routes and locations decoy so no predator easy them to the nest site tracking can. They like shiny objects and often bits of foil wrappers in their nests loose twig will include. They want a nicely decorated House as much as we do people! There will be as little as three or as many as seven olive green eggs covered with brown spots.
Buried stores of food to be unearthed later when food sources are scarce is another tactic employed by these big bird 11 “12″. Their favorites are sunflower seeds, peanuts, cracked corn, pieces of stale bread or baked goods, suet and berries. They are also fond of other birds ‘ eggs, so it is a good idea to provide protection in the way of bird nesting boxes and houses.
Sometimes will be here in the Northeast, if the Winter is relatively mild, our blue jays. It’s so nice to see their beautiful blue colors against the white snow. Jays have a collar white face, black, blue wings and return with a blue tail garnished with white and black feathers. Their distinctive blue crest, gives a hint about what they feel. For example, when they are calm their crest flattened. On the other hand, if they are in an aggressive mood, will the crest out ahead.
When both the colorful Cardinals and blue jays are displayed on a grey, snowy day, it is a sight that helps the winter months don’t seem quite so long, it is no wonder that they are very often pictured on holiday greeting cards!
My smart blue jays never cease to amaze me with their beauty, aggressive noise and mimickery. I look forward to watching them a bite to eat on the feeders before winging their way easily by our forests. They will be back many times during the day with the now famous ‘ keeyeer ‘ to spread of the smaller birds–self-proclaimed Kings and Queens of the backyard bird feeder!
The Perky-Pet Deluxe Chalet Wild Bird Feeder holds 5lbs. of seed and has attached suet baskets that house 12oz. suet cakes. 
Bird Watching is said to be one of the most relaxing and peaceful hobbies that anyone can do.