Blue Beauties

The Blue Jays are among the most beautiful birds that make daily visits to our feeders. It took a while for them to become accustomed to my presence on the front porch, but now they come and go with ease. Often I'll place bird food along the wooden rail for them, just to have a closer view of these blue beauties.  

The adult jays are so large that they sometimes knock a few seeds out of the feeders when they take wing and leave.  That's okay...they return later to get them, if the Cardinals and Doves haven't yet taken them. Nothing goes to waste here.

It's been a pleasure to watch the young jays at the feeders.  Initially they were so clumsy that often they lost balance and landed on the tree trunk or in the grass.  The young ones hang around a little longer than their parents...they take their time selecting the nuts or seeds they like then fly to a nearby branch to eat.

Aren't these young ones adorable?  

In her post "My Blues", Debbie of It's All About Purple mentioned she believes they get a bad rap.  I must agree with her.  From my own observations, I believe that sometimes the jays are a little pushy, but never cruel.  They are hoarders, but do not waste. Other birds take temporary flight upon the approach of the Blue Jays, but I think it's because of the jay's loud calls and larger size.  I've seen more aggression in the Cardinals and Woodpeckers than I have in the jays.  

I love my Blue Jays, I truly do.  So much beauty and personality.  Good company.

Linked with Stewart on Wild Bird Wednesday.