I had some time this last weekend to observe the blue jay coming in to my black-oil sunflower seed feeder. And, discovered that he’s caching seeds. In one visit to the feeder he can fill his crop (noticably so) with up to 36 seeds! Then maneuver another 5-6 in a row between his upper & lower bills. So, up to 42 black-oil sunflower seeds in a single visit. Much more efficient than the 1-visit/1-seed of the little black-capped chickadees.

Then the jay will disappear & repeat the process about 45 min to an hr later. He must be thinking of staying the winter?! Not sure the blue jay knows exactly what he’s getting himself into. Guess I’ll find out.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot