Thursday, 7 February 2013

Something to Crow about

When you think of a Crow, I bet you think of a big black bird, something that isn't too exciting to look at. What I bet you don't think of is a bird that is pink, with black and white markings and has a flash of bright blue in its wing. The Jay is a member of the Crow family, but is so far removed from its cousins as to be thought of as a different species.

These birds are normally fairly shy, staying out of the view of humans, with occasional forays into the open when the acorns are ripe and ready to eat. This winter has been slightly different though, with the failing of large swathes of acorns, this normally shy bird has taken to come into gardens, one of which has been mine in Peterborough. We have had two of these birds visiting fairly regularly, taking loose peanuts as a replacement for acorns, surely something to 'crow' about!?





18 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I am sort of lucky Mike, hopefully they will just carry on taking peanuts and not young birds when they come along.
      J

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  2. I see Jays in our garden only once or twice a year but it's always an exciting event!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi Bazza,
      You are lucky to have them at all, so once or twice is definitely noteworthy.
      J

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  3. The Jay is the most lovely, I love it when they calling. Cheers John.

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    1. Thanks Bob,
      I am not that endeared by their call, but like their appearance.
      J

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  4. I'm sure its not a Crow John.{:))
    Seriously, these are lovely images of one of our most colourful birds.
    Great minds think alike as I have some to post from Bluebell Wood when I can get around to it.

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    1. Thanks Roy!
      I know I haven't a great mind, it must be you! Looking forward to your shots, they will be far better than these!
      J

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  5. Hi John,

    Wow, that's amazing. Would never had guessed that the Jay is member of the Crow family. I was in Toronto and saw a 'Blue Jay'. However, he was playing baseball. I hope that made sense.

    Thanks for this, John. Peace and hope, my friend, peace and hope.

    Gary

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    1. Hi Gary,
      I assume that is the name of the local baseball team? I am afraid I am not very knowledgeable about baseball, it's just rounders for men, isn't it? ;)
      The Blue Jay is also a member of the Crow family and also has a liking for acorns, although they won't turn up over here, if they did, there would be one hell of a 'twitch'!
      Thank you Gary, for your continued good thoughts and wishes.
      J

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  6. Hi John... Aw...You learn something ever day ; )
    That's something to crow about : )
    They have found a place with food,can't be shy about that...so caw away!!
    Grace

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    1. Glad you agree with me Grace. I was quite pleased when they started coming to the garden. I just have make sure that the food doesn't run out!
      J

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  7. What a beauty! Certainly not your average "crow". Glad the bird was able to come across a good meal in your yard!

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    1. Thanks Tammy,
      The only problem is now that there is a battle between the squirrels and the Jays for the peanuts! I wonder who will win?
      J

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  8. Really lovely photos John. I'm so envious. I haven't even seen one for some years and never photographed one. To get one in the garden is such a treat! I doubt I ever will, not enough native trees in the surrounding gardens :-(

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    1. Thanks Jan,
      This year has been a bit different than normal, with Jays being seen in not so 'normal' surroundings, so never say never :)
      J

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  9. Dear John,
    when the Jay is hopping on my balcony (hiding acorns in my buxus), I always admired his beautiful feathers and colours, and grinned at his --mmh-- strange voice (= nothing is perfect), but never knew he is a crow! So I have learned something interesting today.

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    1. Hi Britta,
      They say that you learn something every day, maybe this was your little bit of learning.
      J

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