So I do plan on getting back on track and updating this blog. For those that asked, thank you! Yes, I am doing much much better. It was a long recovery. Please be patient as I update things here.
There were many comments from many people who had lost a pet, or were seeking help or sharing great stories. I am sorry I was not around to answer them or comment.
Blue is still alive beyond all expectations of the Vets or me. I was wrong about their age. I learned although a one could live 15 years. The average age life span in the wild is 3-6 years. Blue may be one of the oldest Scrub Jays around. He has slowed down a bit. He is officially elderly which is one reasons I decided to come back and share the rest of Blues life.
Besides his bad eye, which has caused a few small problems over his life. He has had no other health issues. We are blessed with a great avian Vet here who has always treated Blue with great care.
From living with Blue to interacting with the local wild Scrub Jays, I have learned so much more I want to share. And I will this is just an update.
Blue still has visitor scrub Jays where we live now, right next door to where I originally found him. I feed them raw nuts only. They are feisty young siblings. They follow me around , attempt to enter the house and feed from my hand. They interact with Blue. They peer through the windows. One now lands on me while the other is always a bit more nervous. It's the only way I can tell them apart. One is more shy.
Blue gets excited when they come. He has handed one a nut before through the screen door. He hides nuts all over in a frenzy of competitiveness while they do the same outside.
The more comfortable visitor Scrub Jay sings the whisper song to me which amazed me when it happened. I have caught it only a few times in the wild. I never had one sing to me 12 inches away. I know I can easily capture this on video. He also bounces off my head, which is a sign of affection. I was able to witness the dance Blue does to my hand signals for the first time ever in the wild. Something I have waited 12 years to see. To my surprise this does not seem to be a mating dance. They are two young siblings and they did this dance together. I hope to catch this all on video.
So this is just a quick update. I have ton of content to add from over the last 3 years.
Here are just a few recent photos of Blue taking his Sun Bath which he now does on my hand. I take him to the best spot with the most sun. And a few of his visitor friends.
I will be using a new Youtube channel. Stay tuned while I tune things up here.
Peace
Tim
These are all recent pics I had handy.
Blue Bathed in Blue
Yes that's my foot
Sun worshiping
He seems so young in this picture.
Sun Trance
Visitors
I watched these two since there first day of flight. I used to feed their parents who then taught them to get nuts from me.
Blue 12 years old
Here is one of Blue's old videos. He still plays ball each morning.
4 comments:
Hello.... my male scrub jay "Blue" was killed two days ago by a rather small Prairie Hawk... I was surprised at the take down.
Blue has been the dominant territory male in my area for 6 yrs. We have been very close.
What will happen now to his widow?
There are three males circling & whopping it up as we speak.
I think this might be desirable territory as I am a good provider.
Can you help me to proceed? Should I try to attract a new air? What about Mrs Blue? Thank you so much... I have been doing this since I was 6 yrs old. I am now 60! As you know.. it is a Passion Kalisawells@aol.com
Thank you!
I am using another account to answer you. But it is me. I am sorry that happened. I nearly lost Blue to a copper hawk once. His mate will find another but may leave the area.
Two suggestions come to mind. Feed them in a place where you have bushes or shrubs, preferably both low and high cover to hide in. Also, when I see a hawk or a bird or prey, I give a whistle, the same one every time. The Scrubs that come around have learned what it means.
I know they will hide the nuts where ever they want. Not always next to you. You only have so much control, but they tend to like shaded cover. Mine hide nuts in trees, in the ground, even in flower buds. I have Hydrangea Shrubs all over. They love them and they are great for cover. Hawks cant even see them. But I am blocked on both side by other trees and such.
When we feed wild birds we are creating an environment for them to be attracted too. When they feed they are vulnerable.
It's also just part of nature so don't feel bad. Six to 9 nine years is the average life span for a wild Scrub Jay.
I hope this helps some.
Peace
Tim
Thank you Kalisa for the wonderful pictures and email response. I hope to get them posted here very soon. Your amazing work with your animals was evident by the pictures you sent.
I hope you have new Scrub Jay visitors soon.
Peace and thanks
Tim
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