The Blue Jay or Cyanocitta cristata is one of the largest birds that visits my backyard.

The Blue Jay has a wingspan of around 16 inches and a body length of around 11 inches. They are quite loud at times and will mimic other birds, particularly the local Red Shouldered Hawk’s. I have watched a Blue Jay make Hawk calls and scare every little bird away and then swoop in and feast on the hanging feeders. They are very intelligent!

They are also great at scaring away predators such as cats, snakes and birds of prey. On several occasions, I have witnessed them do this. Each time was very similar. I would suddenly hear quite a loud ruckus coming from outside, Of course I would have to investigate! Upon going outside I find a hawk perched at the top of a tree with 4-5 Blue Jays surrounding him and squawking loudly. Some were even brave enough to dive bomb the much larger hawk. The Blue Jays continue this until the Hawk leaves. On another occasion, I was attracted to a small area of woods close to my house. The Blue Jays once again were very loudly crying in tree tops, this time they had a rather large Owl cornered and they kept harassing him until he left.

This Blue Jay stopped in for a quick drink and a dip in my birdbath!

Cats might not like water but this Gray Catbird sure did.This Gray Catbird had a good time in my birdbath. Gray catbirds have been known to mimic other animals such as reptiles and anphibians. They have also been known to mimic machinary.

This bird chooses to migrate at night time and can sometimes be heard singing well into the night. They will strongly defend their nests from predators and other roosting stealing birds like the cowbird. It eats mostly insects, spiders, berries and fruit.

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