Blue jays are unique compared to other birds visiting in the backyard because of their size and aggressiveness. They can be annoying at times, but the way they vocalize their voice and overall physical appearance is too good to pass when they visit the backyard.
But how to attract blue jays? You can do certain things to lure these birds into your backyard. The tips we present are mainly based on what you will provide to the birds to make them stay in your place.
Contents
Blue Jays Like Large and Open Feeders
As I have mentioned earlier, the blue jays are unique to other birds due to their size. It is physically larger compared to other birds that will visit your garden. An adult blue jay has an average measurement of about 10 to 12 inches and a 13 to 17 inches wingspan. The male blue jays are also usually bigger than their female counterpart.
With its sheer size, these birds like large and open feeders to allow them to move and jump to different areas in the feeder to take the best food they can eat. So, the ideal feeder that you need to use is the tray feeder, as it allows them to move freely. Other feeders that are suitable for them are platform feeders, hopper feeders, and peanut feeders.
Tray Feeder
This bird feeder can accommodate blue jays regardless of size. It allows these colorful but big birds to move freely while enjoying the seeds on the tray. The space it provides will also let you feed several blue jays together.
I also like the versatility it provides since you can put it on the ground or hang it in an ideal place that you want. You can permanently mount it on the pole and let those birds enjoy the food while playing simultaneously.
Platform Feeders
Another feeder that is perfect for a blue jay is the platform feeder. Since they are large backyard birds, the open platform feature will give the birds plenty of space while spreading out when searching for their food.
Hopper Bird Feeders
The Hopper bird feeder is also a perfect bird feeder for blue jays. Usually, a hanging hopper feeder uses wide and open perches to allow the blue jays to move freely. It also comes with a seed mixed filter designed not to obstruct bigger birds such as the blue jays.
Blue Jays Like Seeds and Nuts
If you want to learn how to attract blue jays to your yard, you need to familiarize yourself with what they like to eat and then provide it in your backyard. These colorful and large birds want to devour nuts and seeds in the wild. They also like to include fruits and insects in their meals from time to time.
With this idea, putting more or less the same food they eat in the wild into the feeder can excite them and make them stay in your place. The blue jays eat various foods but filling your bird feeder with nuts and seeds, mainly acorns, can attract them quickly.
Nuts
Many backyard birders have already proved that filling nuts in the bird feeder is the most effective way to lure these colorful birds. This food is an excellent energy source for the blue jays. In particular, they like roasted and unsalted peanuts only. Avoid giving them raw peanuts or peanut hearts because they are unhealthier.
You can feed the blue jays with peanut butter during the winter to give them variety. But do not give this food during the summer because it will just melt and be rotten with too much sun exposure.
Cracked Corn
Filling the bird feeder with cracked corn is an economical way to attract blue jays. Cracked corn is an excellent alternative to the more expensive dried kernels but is smaller in size. Regularly feeding the blue jays with cracked corn can often make them come back to your garden.
Apart from being affordable, cracked corn provides healthy benefits to blue jays. It contains protein and fiber, which helps in the metabolism and the digestion of birds. It also contains healthy oils, which are an excellent source of energy.
Mealworms
Another food that blue jays like are mealworms. Putting it in the bird feeder will also make them interested in your backyard. The biggest advantage of mealworms for backyard birders is their affordability. Mealworms can be preserved and dried for longer usage.
Mealworms are best given to blue jays in the winter season. Apart from affordability, they can last for longer days, making them perfect for colder days. And they are nutritious too. Mealworms are an excellent source of fat, fiber, and protein to benefit the blue jays.
Blue Jays Like Continued Supply of Water
Another way to attract blue jays is to provide them with continuity in their freshwater resources; These birds need freshwater sources for their daily bathing and drinking needs. Using a birdbath that will fit their size can help, while adding a dripper or a wiggler can also help lure these birds.
Bird Bath Requirements
Since blue jays are generally larger compared to other birds, you will need a birdbath that is larger in size. You will need a deeper and wider birdbath for blue jays where the basin is at least 2 to 3 inches deep.
During the winter season, a heated bird bath can help make the blue jays come to your plays. However, they do not like to take a bath once the snow falls. They only do a quick bathing activity on a sunny day.
Create a Habitat Fit for Blue Jays in your Backyard
If you want to attract blue jays, making your backyard into a habitat they like will entice them to come to your place. You can start by planting trees that they like. If you want to know what plants attract blue jays, acorns and beechnuts must be the priority since they are part of their diet.
Since blue jays like to shelter on large trees, planting native trees and shrubs in your backyard can help. Adding acorns and beechnuts into your garden can make your backyard a natural habitat for the blue jays.
Conclusion
As a birder, the blue jays are a must-have when visiting in your backyard. They are loud and colorful, which is a sight to behold once they rest in the garden. But, it would be best if you learned how to attract blue jays using the methods we have presented in this article. All are doable and easy to do and will help lure these beautiful birds into your garden quickly.