Blue jays are among the most striking visitors you can invite into your backyard. Known for their vibrant blue feathers, lively personalities, and distinct calls, they captivate bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Attracting blue jays to your yard doesn’t just add beauty to your outdoor space; it also offers the joy of watching these intelligent and social birds up close. But how do you attract blue jays effectively? The answer lies in creating the perfect blue jay feeder setup.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding their preferences to building your own feeder. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to welcome blue jays into your bird-friendly haven.
Understanding Blue Jay Preferences
Before you install a feeder, it’s essential to understand what keeps a blue jay coming back. These birds are omnivorous, meaning they enjoy a varied diet ranging from seeds and nuts to small insects and berries. Blue jays prefer larger platforms to feed on rather than confined spaces as their size makes maneuvering in smaller feeders difficult. They are also known to stash food for later use, so their feeding habits often involve taking food away from the feeder.
Key points about blue jay preferences:
- Favorite Foods: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, mealworms, suet, and acorns.
- Feeding Style: Prefers platforms or open spaces to access food.
- Behavior: Caching (stashing food) is a common behavior.
Once you understand their feeding habits, you can set up a space that’s perfectly tailored to their tastes.
Types of Blue Jay Feeders
Not all bird feeders are created equal, and blue jays require specific designs that accommodate their size and feeding habits. Here are some popular types of feeders ideal for blue jays:
1. Platform Feeders
Platform feeders provide a flat surface where blue jays can comfortably perch and feed. These are excellent for offering peanuts and sunflower seeds. The open design makes them easy to fill and clean, though they may need extra vigilance to deter squirrels.
2. Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders have a covered structure with a platform that dispenses seeds when birds perch. Their sturdy design makes them ideal for holding larger quantities of food like sunflower seeds or a mix of nuts.
3. Tube Feeders with Large Perches
While traditional tube feeders may not work well for larger birds, specially designed models with extended perches or a mesh exterior can accommodate blue jays. For example, the Nature’s Way Cobalt Metal Mesh Bird Feeder is a great option. It features a 360-degree mesh feeding area, is easy to clean, durable, and can hold a variety of seeds, making it perfect for blue jays.
4. Suet Feeders
Blue jays love high-energy foods like suet, especially during colder months. Invest in a sturdy blue jay suet feeder with metal cages to provide this rich food source.
5. Blue Jay Upside-Down Feeders
These clever feeders encourage blue jays to work (and show off their acrobatics!) for their food. They’re entertaining to watch and designed to keep certain other critters away from the stash.
Best Food Choices for Blue Jays
Blue jays are not fussy eaters, but offering their favorite foods can make your feeder irresistible. Here are some of the best options to fill your feeder with:
- Peanuts (in or out of the shell): A blue jay favorite that’s also fun to watch them crack open.
- Sunflower Seeds (black oil and striped): Packed with nutrients, sunflower seeds are a staple food for blue jays.
- Suet Nuggets: Ideal for a high-energy snack, especially during colder seasons.
- Acorns: A natural choice for these birds, especially in the fall.
- Mealworms: A great protein source for blue jays, especially during nesting season.
Pro Tip: Rotate food options to keep your blue jay visitors excited to drop by.
Placement Tips for Your Blue Jay Feeder
To attract blue jays, the location of your feeder matters just as much as its design and food offerings. Follow these tips to maximize success:
- Choose an Open Area: Place your feeder in an area where blue jays can perch comfortably while watching for predators.
- Avoid High-Traffic Zones: Keep the feeder away from noisy areas so the birds feel safe visiting.
- Near Trees or Shrubs: Blue jays naturally prefer areas with trees or shrubs for cover and nesting.
- Secure Placement: Make sure the feeder is stable and at a height that deters squirrels but is easy for you to refill.
DIY Blue Jay Feeder Ideas
Fancy yourself a bit of a DIY enthusiast? Creating your own blue jay feeder is both fun and rewarding! Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wooden board (for the feeder base)
- Wooden dowels (for perches)
- Screws and drill
- Hanging chain or hook
Instructions:
- Cut the wooden board into a platform (around 10×10 inches is ideal).
- Attach dowels along the edges for sturdy perches.
- Drill small drainage holes in the base to prevent food from getting wet.
- Attach a chain or hook to hang your feeder.
- Paint or waterproof the wood to increase its durability.
Fill your DIY feeder with peanuts and sunflower seeds, hang it in a blue jay-friendly spot, and watch the magic happen!
Additional Tips for Creating a Bird-Friendly Space
Attracting blue jays isn’t just about the feeder. Consider these additional touches to create the ultimate backyard oasis:
- Provide Fresh Water: Bird baths or small fountains are a great way to keep blue jays hydrated and happy.
- Add Native Plants: Incorporate trees and shrubs that produce berries or nuts to offer natural food sources.
- Reduce Pesticides: Blue jays may eat insects from your yard, so keep it pesticide-free to ensure their safety.
- Create Sheltered Spaces: Blue jays appreciate areas where they can nest or take cover, so planting trees and bushes is beneficial.
The Joy of Hosting Blue Jays
Inviting blue jays into your yard is a rewarding experience for any bird watcher, nature enthusiast, or gardener. Their striking blue feathers and curious personalities bring life and color to your outdoor space, creating countless moments of joy.
By selecting the right blue jay bird feeder, offering their favorite foods, and creating a welcoming environment, you’ll soon have these lovely visitors stopping by regularly. Don’t forget to document your encounters and share the experience with fellow bird lovers!
Looking for a high-quality feeder to kick-start your blue jay adventure? The Nature’s Way Cobalt Metal Mesh Bird Feeder is an excellent choice. Its durable design, easy-clean features, and large capacity make it perfect for blue jays and other backyard birds.
Happy bird watching!