Outdoor Ontario

Discussion => General Discussions => Topic started by: Rob'in'To on April 28, 2010, 07:31:51 PM

Title: Is it too early for babies? PIC included here...
Post by: Rob'in'To on April 28, 2010, 07:31:51 PM

I was in Lambton this afternoon.  I heard some low funny noises and discovered it was coming from a Blue Jay almost next to me in the bush.  I tossed a roasted peanut on the ground and he/she just sat there...  seconds later another Blue Jay swooped in, took the peanut up in a tree nearby, broke it open and then returned to the first and fed him.  This happened a few times.  After a bit, the feeder Jay flew further along, and this low peeper followed.  I saw them a few times over the next 45 minutes around the area.

So, could this be a young Jay being fed by it's mother?  Is it a courting thing between a male and female?  They seemed to be close in size.  I don't think the hungry one was any fluffier.  Here is a pic of the baby or mate...  if you notice at the top of the photo, the foot of the other Blue Jay is seen, he/she was bringing a shelled peanut to this one.

(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/BJ1.jpg)

Title: Blue Jays
Post by: Leslie Kinrys on April 28, 2010, 08:32:26 PM

You were seeing a pair of courting jays. The female will beg and act like a fledgling, so the male will feed her. This strengthens the pair bond, and shows the female that the male will be a good provider. Also, by feeding her, he ensures she will be strong and healthy when it comes time to lay eggs.

Title:
Post by: Rob'in'To on April 29, 2010, 04:58:34 AM

Thanks Leslie!  I was thinking it was kinda early for fledglings.