Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

                                                                                                   All photos by BarrytheBirder

Jays are thought to be among the most intelligent of birds.   Bright and flashy, the Blue Jay is common in woods, parks, and yards throughout eastern North America.

According to Kenn Kaufman in his Birds of North America, "they are often noisy, but can slip quietly through treetops".   Kaufman goes on to say "Most are permanent residents, but some move south in fall, and big flocks may pass some points on coasts or lakeshores".

My observations are that they are voracious at feeders.

They are generally very noisy and bold, with the most common of their varied calls a piercing 'JAY, JAY, JAY'.   They also have a musical 'weedle-eedle' sound.

They have an intense dislike of predators and their loud screaming makes it easy to locate a nearby hawk or owl.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder