Two Jays in the Garden

[Acipiter]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Great thread and great shots I love these birds but they never come in the garden I rarely see them out and about either they are so shy.

Have you thought about planting a hazel nut tree the twisted ones are quite ornamental I planted one for the look of it I didn't know it would produce nuts very nice they are too.

Don't forget hazel nut trees can grow Big

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Acipiter

Don't forget hazel nut trees can grow Big

Have you heard of loppers/saws! Hazel is frequently coppiced so no problem keeping it to a reasonable size.

[Acipiter]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Have you heard of loppers/saws! Hazel is frequently coppiced so no problem keeping it to a resonable size.

Ive heard of a tree surgeon, but but I don't want one in my garden

[Billabong Karen]

I have a couple of jays visiting my garden too, and while I love them, they are a bit of a bully. The small birds actually seem afraid of them, and push off if the jays come to the feeders near the house. I believe jays predate fledglings and will take eggs from nests, but I wonder whether they actually catch and eat mature song birds?

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Billabong Karen

I believe jays predate fledglings and will take eggs from nests, but I wonder whether they actually catch and eat mature song birds?

Yes they will predate adult song birds although not in great numbers in comparison to nestlings and eggs, they do however take fledglings which are still quite vulnerable when they have just left the nest. They also take small mammals like wood mouse and amphibians. This is typical of most corvids, however jays tend to mainly feed on invertebrates, nuts and seeds.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Acipiter

Ive heard of a tree surgeon, but but I don't want one in my garden

I got my twisted Hazel 18 years ago and its only about 8ft and has only just started to produce nuts this last year.
It don't grow up more out and twisted.

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Bloom Time Early Spring; Spring; Winter
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses , Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style , Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Trees

[dunkeld]

I would not worry too much about endless visits from a tree surgeon,all you need would be secatures and a small hacksaw,there are lots of hazel in this area of perthshire. I used to cut some regularly to be made into walking sticks and wading sticks. It can certainly grow to a fair size some I'd say nearer 20ft than 10ft but is going to take a very long time. Another use for the extra bits is ,it makes very good Charcoal !
How many hobbies do you need.

[jaelen]

Since we're only renting and the garden is east-facing, quite small and overgrown, I probably won't be planting any trees... we spent most of last spring cutting things back just to let in a bit of light, (as it is, the pond is still in shade most of the time.) There's only one small spot in the garden that gets true sunlight, and then only for a few hours in the summer- that is where I try and grow a few flowers and herbs in pots.

So, I'm afraid the jays that visit here will have to make do with hazelnuts from the corner shop; and lots of peanuts too, of course.

Elizabeth- that is a wonderful photo! Even with the other two juveniles not wanting to pose, it's great you were even able to get four of them together.

[justlesley]

In our small garden in Tottenham, a pair of Jays seem to be regular visitors now, and appear to be quite unconcerned by us watching them from the window. Yesterday, I walked out into the garden and had a 'mewing' responsive conversation with one of them. I didn't imagine that jays would be so comfortable near to humans.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by justlesley

In our small garden in Tottenham, a pair of Jays seem to be regular visitors now, and appear to be quite unconcerned by us watching them from the window. Yesterday, I walked out into the garden and had a 'mewing' responsive conversation with one of them. I didn't imagine that jays would be so comfortable near to humans.

Welcome to WAB. That's a wonderful close relationship with your Jays. They are generally shy birds but can become quite tame in some urban/suburban areas.