Attracting Blue Jays to Your Backyard: Tips and Tricks

Blue jays are delightful, intelligent birds that can bring vibrant color and excitement to any backyard. However, not everyone is equally enchanted by these feathered friends. For those who love blue jays, there are ways to attract them and make them feel at home in your yard. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to attract blue jays, including detailed tips and tricks to make your backyard a haven for these beautiful birds.

Understanding Blue Jays

Blue jays are known for their striking appearance, which includes a blue mantle and a prominent crest. They are also known for their intelligence and charming personalities. In the wild, blue jays live in forests, open woodlands, and suburban areas. Like many birds, they love to be near food, water, and shelter.

One interesting fact about blue jays is that they gift meat to people who provide them with water. This behavior is believed to be a form of gratitude, showcasing the bird's intelligent and friendly nature.

Setting Up Your Backyard for Blue Jays

To attract blue jays to your backyard, you need to create a welcoming environment. Here are some essential steps to follow:

Providing Food

Blue jays are seed and insect eaters. They love hulled seeds, especially sunflower seeds and peanuts. A tube feeder with crack-resistant seed is an ideal option. Additionally, you can leave out bits of meat on a high surface where they can pick it up safely. It's important to avoid attracting rats and cats by not leaving meat too accessible on the ground. Instead, place a mesh tray or platform feeder directly on a high post to prevent larger animals from accessing the food.

Offering Water

Water is a critical component in attracting blue jays. A birdbath or a fountain can provide them with a refreshing drink. Make sure the water is shallow and safe for them to use. Blue jays may also enjoy misters or sprinklers that create a gentle water mist.

Creating Nesting Sites

Nest boxes can be an excellent way to attract blue jays to your backyard. Choose nesting boxes that are appropriate for blue jays and place them in areas with dense vegetation. Blue jays typically nest in trees, so consider having some tall trees or shrubs near your nesting boxes.

Ensuring Safety

To make your backyard safe for blue jays, keep it free from large predators. Secure your pet cats and dogs when blue jays are present, and avoid using pesticides or insecticides that may harm them.

Tips for Attracting Blue Jays

Here are a few additional tips to help you attract blue jays to your backyard:

1. Make a Distinctive Noise with Meat

Blue jays have a keen sense of hearing. If you make a distinctive noise when you leave meat out, they may learn to associate the sound with the food and come to your yard more regularly.

2. Consider the Legal Aspects

While it's generally safe to feed blue jays, you should be aware of local laws. In some areas, such as the UK, it might be illegal to feed birds of prey. Crows, which are often attracted to meat, are not typically considered birds of prey. However, it's always a good idea to check local regulations before feeding any birds.

3. Embrace Patience and Observation

Attracting blue jays can take time, so be patient. Observe their behavior and preferences to get a sense of how to better cater to their needs. You may also find it helpful to research blue jay behavior and habits online or through local birding groups.

4. Share Your Experience

If you have challenges attracting blue jays, try to stay positive. Different birds have different personalities and preferences. Encourage others by sharing your experience and tips.

Conclusion

Attracting blue jays to your backyard can be a rewarding experience. By providing food, water, and a safe environment, you can make your yard a desirable habitat for these intelligent and colorful birds. Remember to be patient and adaptable, and enjoy the joy that watching blue jays brings to your daily life.