FEAST FOR ONE - THE BLUE JAY DINNER BELL

The trail cam produced this nice clear photo of the Blue Jay.  When the sun is shining I get better pictures.  It was about three feet away from the camera, and was sharper and not quite as blurry.  

The Blue Jay is considered to be boisterous and a bit aggressive, but when I hear them squawking outside I am happy to see them.  

Since we had to have two of our largest trees cut down next to the deck, the Blue Jay doesn't visit quite as often.  I suppose it lost its protective cover.  When one does visit on the odd occasion, it pleases me greatly.  And that squawk seems to be a signal to let others in its family know that the dinner bell has rung and there is food on the table.  

Blue Jays can be beneficial to other birds.  In the "Birds of Maine Field Guide" written by Stan Tekiela, you will read that they are "known as the alarm of the forest, screaming at any intruders in the woods".  This also lets other birds know that there is a predator around.  Blue Jays will also mob raptors, which will provide protection for other birds.

Their history is quite interesting.  Did you know that because of the Blue Jay's preference for acorns and beechnuts, they helped facilitate the migration of oak and beech trees thousands of years ago?  By burying these nuts in the ground, they helped spread nut-bearing trees northward at the end of the Ice Age.  This in turn benefitted numerous species of wildlife.  They continue this behavior even today.

You can read more about them here.