My birding journey started a few months ago and I have been lucky enough to see a wide variety of birds such as Cardinals, Chickadees, Finches, Nuthatches, House Sparrows, Blue Tits, Wrens and even a male Yellow-axis Northern Flicker. I have also seen the infamous blue jay. Blue Jays have often been touted as “bully” birds, but despite this title, their striking blue feathers and loud calls still make them a favorite among birders.
Although I have glimpsed jays and heard their distinct calls from afar, I have yet to get a good photo of one, so I did some research to find out how I can best attract blue jays to my yard for that perfect photo opportunity. This is what I discovered!
To attract blue jays, a safe method is to provide them with the type of feeder they prefer. Jays are large birds, ranging in size from 9.8 to 11.8 inches and typically weighing 2.5 to 3.5 ounces, so it would make sense that they would prefer a large platform or open feeder. Other feeders that attract jays are crown feeders that can be filled with whole peanuts and certain types of hopper feeders.
I’ve seen plenty of pictures of blue jays holding a peanut and for good reason! Another great way to entice them is to offer them one of their favorite foods: the mighty peanut! Jays enjoy shelled and unshelled peanuts and are one of the few birds that can crack open a peanut shell to get to the nuts inside. Jays also enjoy striped or black oil sunflower seeds and whole grain or cracked corn. Also, if your garden provides a supply of acorns, you can place them in your feeder as another welcome gift!
Lastly, another sure way to attract jays is to provide them with a water source. This is a step I have yet to take for my garden, but one I will definitely consider, especially with the upcoming change of season. With the onset of winter, many birds will look for a reliable source of water to bathe and drink in, and I’ve heard that jays enjoy having fun in the water too! Since they are such a large bird, a bath that is deeper and wider in the middle will be a must. Jays also travel as a family unit, so the entire crew can bathe at once, meaning bigger is better.
In short, to attract blue jays, be sure to offer a feeder that works for their large size, their favorite foods, such as shelled or unshelled peanuts, and a clean, reliable source of water year-round. With these tips, you are sure to attract these beautiful, eye-catching and funny birds to your garden for the perfect photo opportunity or just to enjoy their backyard pranks.