Jays Dissapeared

Meadow5 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2011, 02:18 AM

hello WAB members,

I had the fortune of seeing a Jay visit my garden quite often a couple of months ago. I also heard it sometimes doing its screech, id never seen a Jay before in my life. Then there were two jays which i heard but never saw them anymore. I havent seen a Jay for weeks and weeks, and im wondering what could have happened. A neighbour reckons they had a young one, but i have not heard or seen this Jay visit my garden for many weeks. Like 3 months. Is this normal for Jays?

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2011, 06:15 PM

Its normal for most birds. It really is impossible to say the exact reason without knowing the area, location, surrounding habitat, exact dates etc. It could have been young birds moving through as they disperse, it could have been adults rearing young (although very unlikely 2 months ago), it could have been migrants coming through the area, it could be that there is more food in another area so they have moved on, they could have been killed. . . .

You would be amazed how far some of your blackbirds have come from to visit your garden or how many blue tits really visit it.

Meadow5 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2011, 05:40 PM

How would they have been killed?

FUDGEY · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2011, 05:53 PM

Hi Meadow, At my private hide I had at least 34 different Jays visiting at one time in the Summer. The numbers started dwindling away to the point I had none for several weeks. There are now about 10 different birds visiting. I put the dissapearance down to them going and getting there natural food and perhaps teaching there offspring how to find and stash acorns and the likes. They never left my place because of a lack of food as they have an endless supply of nuts and other food. Thats my guess any way so hopefully they will return as they have amazing memories.

FUDGEY · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meadow5

How would they have been killed?

I would guess most Jay deaths are down to shooting. It certainly is the case here in SW Scotland where I live.

Meadow5 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2011, 06:06 PM

That must be wonderful to see 34 jays visiting. What is a hide by the way?

I dont understand why people would want to shoot them, it is so incredibly sad. They are just a wild creature trying to survive.

Meadow5 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-12-2011, 06:07 PM

I wanted to send you as PM fudgey but theres no option available to PM you

Borzoilover · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2011, 10:30 PM

When i first saw a Jay i was startled by how fierce it looked, but also what a beautiful coloured bird they are.

We at one time had five come in together,one or two come daily and feed from the nut feeders, but they are very shy and timid, they fly away if they catch you looking at them. I live in s w Scotland.

Meadow5 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-12-2011, 10:41 PM

Wow, youre lucky to see more than one jay

They are lovely, they look really exotic, i couldent believe it when i first saw one. I hope i see them again.

hank · #10 (**permalink**) 04-12-2011, 11:42 PM

We usually have a couple of pairs of Jays from Spring to Summer, then, when there's plenty of food about, they disappear.
They'll all be back if we have a difficult Winter.

H.