Sibling Rivalry and Scrub Jays

I witnessed an amazing display of sibling rivalry and peanut caching antics. Throughout last winter two siblings came each day to visit Blue and get free peanuts. One a bit more nervous than the other. He would come within a few feet of me while the other would land on me, and even enter the house at times. 


When Spring came they stopped coming. Busy building their nests I could still see them grabbing branches and zipping about. Each had found a suitable mate. Each pair built a nest on opposite sides of the street high in the trees. 


They would still acknowledged my existence with a friendly buzz over pat on the head and a cackle now and then. With their nests now complete. They came back for peanuts today in a flurry. I came home to scrub jays buzzing over my head as I entered the house and screaming at me through the windows. So I went to my bag and tossed a few peanuts out in the open. 


The siblings were extremely competitive as all corvids. Scrub-jays are non-migratory and mated pairs defend their territory year-round. So now we have siblings defending the same general territory. That spells one thing, fun. 


One out of a pair stands watch so they can see and guard their nest while the other grabs and hides nuts and also tries to force their sibling away. There was plenty for all but that did not seem to matter. Interesting was the watcher would never leave the post where they could not see their nest. Even if  a peanut was right below them. They would however signal their mate whenever a peanut came into their field of vision using a specific call. Both pairs used the same exact vocalizations each time. When a peanut was taken and successfully hidden by their mate, sometimes re-hidden out of the prying eyes of the other Scrub Jay, each watcher would then give a specific trill telling the other that they had successfully hidden the peanut safely and could return for more. 


Hidden both high and low, in flowers buds, palm trees and buried on the ground,  this pattern of communication went on and on for twenty minutes as they cached nuts. They would aggressively dive, fly and even crash into each other to push the other out of the way. Brother sister, it did not matter. It was quite the show and a tad funny as they learn these things from their parents. 


 Being highly intelligent and social , young western scrub-jays learn most of their behavior from their parents. They will remain with them until they are about three or four months old before leaving to find mates. Corvids, which include crows, have a larger brain to body size than any other family of birds, comparable to that of dolphins and even chimpanzees. The region of the brain responsible for intellect is larger in corvids than in any other group of birds. Add to that, corvids have a higher density of brain cells than any other bird. Jays are highly active, enjoy play and exhibit amusing food caching antics. Like all corvids they are fun to watch. I look forward to getting some video. I have been so busy and this all happened very quickly. But it is obvious they will be back. In fact one is still persistently at my door now. Please feel free to submit your own pictures, videos or stories. 


Email me at tenderfoot.tim@gmail.com


Tim & Blue

Dr. Jonathan Balcombe on Scrub Jay Memory & Ted Talk on Crows

Ted Talk on Crows - Crows & Scrub Jays are in the same family. A must See!

Tips for those in for the long haul

A quick post. A few people have left comments in the " I found a scrub Jay what do I do? post. There are some amazing stories there. And I am glad so many people helped each other in my absence.

A Scrub Jay named Paraguin Pickle is alive and has a great home thanks to some great people who found him covered in mud as a baby. They have done an amazing job. 

As Blue is now about 13. I wanted to share a few things I learned along the way. Both good and bad.

Sandpaper perch covers. Sounds like a good idea to keep their claws from getting too long. It's not. In fact, it damages the pads on the bottom of their feet.  I know every pet store carries them, but they are no good.  And not just Scrub Jays but most all birds. They sell a soft fabric perch cover that sticks on and comes in a roll like tape. You can find this at a good vet or avian clinic. Possibly at your local pet store.

Learn to trim their nails or have an avian vet do it. I really prefer to do it myself. Make sure you learn how first. There are a ton of how to videos up on that. It can be dangerous to have their claws too long. For both of you.

Later I will do a post on beak and nail over growth as it is something that everyone will deal with who has a Scrub Jay for a long time. It can be remedied very easily.

Another reminder. The more variety in their diet the better. Mix it up. Hand feeding is great, but let them crack and eat their own nuts.  Its good for their beak and they will not become reliant on you to do it for them.

Yellow Veggies are good for their eyes and that's the one area they are prone to have the most problems as they get older. Carrots, Yellow Squash. Organic plain baby food works for this. Just vegetable and water. And the birds love it. You may find your seven year old Scrub Jay still flapping it's wings making  baby sounds when you feed them this. Blue still does.

Because these birds are so social. You will find when they are young they do well around most other people.  But they may be frightened by odd things. More so as they age.  A certain color, a certain sound.  Someday you will come home and your bird will look at you and scream. For me it was a hat... and a certain jacket or two. If I wear them. He gets scared. So, I don't wear them near him. If someone is doing yard work outside I stay home. A scared bird in a cage is no good. They will flap around and get hurt. A really scared Scrub Jay will go open beak in panic, its time to take action to calm them down if this happens. Take them in another room. Make it dark. Talk to them. Take them away from whatever is scaring them. The lawnmower, whatever it may be. Oddly blue loves white noise. He sings to it. Try it!

If you ever want another vacation in your lifetime find someone you really trust and let them bond with your bird. 

Let someone get to really know your Scrub Jay. Let them get close to it so it's very comfortable with them so they can stay and watch it for you. Although we have boarding services here. Blue at his age is so reliant on me, is so used to his known environment and our routine. I could never board him. I would not sleep at night. I have to have someone he is very comfortable with here with him in our house.

Lastly, just give them a ton of attention. They live for it. Give them plenty of toys, hiding spots for their nuts, and lots of patience and love. You won't regret it.

Check out some of the new data on the intelligence of the western Scrub Jay! New lifespan data there too. The oldest Scrub is 15 years old.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Scrub_Jay

Intelligence

Main article: Bird intelligence

Recent research has suggested that Western Scrub-Jays, along with several other corvids, are among the most intelligent of animals. The brain-to-body mass ratio of adult Scrub Jays rivals that of chimpanzees and cetaceans, and is dwarfed only by that of humans. Scrub Jays are also the only non-primate shown to plan ahead for the future, which was previously thought of as a uniquely human trait^[7] Other studies have shown that they can remember locations of over 200 food caches, as well as the food item in each cache and its rate of decay. ^[8]"

Peace
Tim

Blue the Scrub Jay - We are back!

I was happy to see I was able to even access this old account. I have done my best to quickly remove all the spam. I was surprised and touched by the many comments people continued to leave in my absence which has been years besides a few updates.

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. 

Blog Ending

Hi Folks,
Its been a long time since I have even visited my own Blog! I have enjoyed the many years of sharing Blue with you and have enjoyed even more being a small part in helping over 80 people deal with a Scrub Jays found in distress, most were successfully released. Blue is still going strong exceeding all my expectations of how long he may live.

In these financially turbulent times. I simply do not have the means, a working camera, nor the time to maintain this Blog. I will keep the info up as long as possible. And who knows, maybe I will get back to it again soon.
Peace
Tim and Blue

Blue gets a tree!

It was my Birthday recently and one of the things I have wanted for a long time was a tree for Blue. Something permanent rather then using branches; I wanted Blue to have his own tree with leaves. Blues favorite tree is a ficus tree. He would often sit in one in our old back yard where he feels safe from large birds or noisy neighbors.

Dan my father found the perfect tree. A fake but safe and very real looking ficus tree. Standing at about six feet tall, its a large tree. I take some real branches from other trees and hang toys and treats from it now. Blue loved it immediately and now plays in it and also uses it as a place of sanctuary. It also looks cool in my room. So its a good deal for the both of us.

Here is a few pictures of Blue the morning he first got his tree. Video to come with some brand new antics.

Blue Goes To Vet!

Its been a long time since I have posted anything. My health and other family matters have kept me busy. Blue and I have moved to the Country, where we both belong. His cage, when he is in it looks out over the ranch and in the morning the sun rises pouring light into his cage. He is very happy here.

My health is much better, thanks to a few good doctors and allot of time. Blue always knows when I am sick, happy or sad, and acts accordingly. Often when I am resting he sits and softly sings sings to me.

Here are a few shots from the drive up to the vet, his exam, and his morning song this AM.

Blue is Boy. I always thought he was, but only a DNA test can confirm. Its now official. Blue is a male.

Blue Sleeps

Blue Sleeps soundly at night puffed up, sometimes with his head tucked making him into a perfect ball. Often he will fall asleep out of his cage and I can pick him up and he will stay asleep in my hand. I put him on his perch next to his beloved mop and he curls up next to it. I never thought a bird sleeping could be so beautiful. Here are a few photos to judge for yourself.

Blue Video

Elusive Suntrance and Meal in the wild

This Comes from From: kiaoragin on Youtube. She shot a wild young Scrub doing the Sun Trance and then getting fed from its parents. Enjoy this great footage.

Blue brings food and treats to me durring ilness. New Video!

Hi Folks,
There have been many new comments on the post "What do i do if I find a Scrub Jay?" There is a link on the left. There is much to learn from the many people who have saved and released many birds. Thanks to all who have left comments as we all learn from them. I have tried to answer all the emails and comments regarding people in need of help when they come across a distressed or abandoned Scrub Jay. If I missed someone during my illness, I apologize.


I have been very ill for the last 2 months, basically housebound. I am doing much better now. Blue began to bring me things throughout the day on the first day I became ill. It started with food. I was not eating much. He was care taking. He would bring me a piece of a nut or cat food and do what you see in the video below, grunting for me to take it. If its food, I pretend to eat it and then hide it quickly when he is not looking. Then the treats he had stolen throughout my illness began to come back to me as offerings. He has always brought me things occasionally but never many times a day and never food until my long down period. As soon as I got better, the food deliveries stopped. But we still trade little objects daily. Blue is doing well but getting all brand new feathers in. This is always a bit rough on him. They require more rest during this period. He now only has his tail feathers left to drop. He is doing great quietly sitting on my hand as I type this.


You may notice Blues beak is overgrown. Blues vet had told be not to worry and to leave it because it was too stressful on most birds to clip them. It got worse. I decided Blue could handle it if I did it. Not only did he handle it well, he sang to me and brought me a treat afterward. He loves his new very sharp normal beak. I cannot use sand paper on his perches as many people do to prevent this. He rubs his eyes on the perches. His mineral block etc. is not enough to keep his beak from overgrowth. He is blind in one eye from a cataract. This is the only health issue he has had in the ten years we have been together.

We have also moved into a new apartment right next door. Its the same exact layout, but backwards, which took some time for Blue to figure out... 1 day.

Beth Cataldo came yesterday to work on the documentary about Blue and I.
I would like to thank her for her endless patience during my illness.
Here is a link about her last movie, the Multimedia Company she manges, and her personal website. All are well worth the visit.

• Ray Bandar: A Life with Skulls
• http://hummingbirdmultimedia.com
• http://www.bethcataldo.com/
  

Enjoy!
Peace
Tim

Eagle attacks goat - throws off cliff

This is amazing and hopefully real. Though its not a Scrub Jay I thought I would post it anyway. New Stuff coming soon from Blue who is doing well. were busy working on the Documentary.

clipped from youtube.com

Blue Plays in and out of his cage

Blue is doing great. I have been spending a great deal of time with him as I get better and adjust to my new seizure meds. Blue has been bringing me food, which is a brand new thing he does. Something that began when I became ill. We exchange objects on a nearly hourly basis, sometime much more. But even Blue needs time to himself. Blue is out of his cage most of the time. But he will ask when he wants in his cage. And when he does he organizes and plays and even softly sings to himself.

Here is a video of Blue playing in his cage. You may notice his beak is slightly over grown. I trimmed it yesterday and he is just fine and was not fazed in the least. I have been putting it off and now realize that even Blue knew it was for his best interest and trusts me to do such a thing. Five minutes later he did his dance and song with his wings spread, a show of affection to me. In the wild it is a mating dance. With Spring here Blue is dancing and singing 5 times a day.

During this time of recovery, Blue has saved me once again. I never get bored as Blue is always ready to play, to hide things and bring things to me. To play a simple game of tug of war or sit on my shoulder and take a nap or gently sing to me as I slumber. He sits on top of my laptop as I write, often leaving and coming back and forth with treats. If he gives me something, I give him something in return. Blue now has seven bowls, dishes and caches to hide his booty throughout the house.

When I am home he does demand one thing -- that I am nearby, within eye shot. This is fine, until I need a daytime nap. I have to move his cage near my bed, the only room he is not allowed in freely, as it is not bird proof. Katie makes jewelry and there are too many tempting things to steal for Blue while I sleep, shinny beads and silver strands a plenty for a flying pirate such as Blue. He is never allowed out without being watched. There are far too many things that can happen with such a curious bird. While the cage is at the door of my room where he can watch me snooze, he does so silently, aware I am sleeping. He never awakens me, but often sings the whisper song to me which is very conducive to sleep. He will also squeeze in a few winks with me at times. If he knows I am home, and in the other room ignoring him, he will make noise until I change my act. There are no breaking these rules.

I enjoy the fact Blue is so closely bonded with me. Scrub Jays mate for life. It shows me that all animals, as well as people need others around them to be truly happy. Were not so different, animals and humans -- we all need relationships, friendship and love -- as well as food, water and a warm safe environment.

Peace
Tim Rumford

Enjoy Blue in his cage playing.

Spring is here!

SPRING IS HERE!

Spring is here and it came early. New birds are appearing at the feeder & Blue is getting very spunky as he does in the spring. Good news, my new seizure medicine worked and the neurological issues I was facing have quickly diminished. Blue can tell I feel better. Yesterday he danced and allowed me to pet him and then started flipping his wings and talking like a baby, just as he did when he was being hand fed as a little baby.

When Spring comes so do many people searching for help from me when they find a Scrub Jay in distress. I will be updating diets, and creating lists of native animal rescue centers. I firmly believe you should not keep a wild bird unless there is no alternative. Last year out of about sixty rescues, only three people had to keep there birds. My next post will be an updated version of what to do should you find a scrub jay in distress. Until then enjoy this movie of Blue and some of the nature nearby as spring awakens.

The Comfort of Animals in an insane world

The Comfort of Animals in an insane world
by Tim Rumford
This has been one of the roughest months I have had in many years. My epilepsy returned, something that I have had since my recovery from encephalitis. I used to be so sensitive to light I could not read, watch a movie in a theater or use the computer without having a seizure. That was during the first three years of recovery starting in 1997. During this time I also had spinal surgery which left me in chronic pain.
I was told any symptoms left after that 3 years would remain permanent. This proved to be largely correct. But my seizures and light sensitivity have returned again, nearly 7 years later. Epilepsy never goes away, but the medicine keeps it at bay, like a lurking monster, you always know its there and may return to haunt you.
My seizure medicine stopped working. After a few weeks of getting sicker and sicker from trying to use the computer, read, film and just be. I had three seizures in a week. I had to stop everything. No more reading, driving, or even answering simple e-mails. I saw my new neurologist. He was concerned and has ordered several tests, MRI's, EEG, blood work and... and new seizure meds... My seizures changed. There are different types - Grand Mall Seizures, Petite Seizures, Partial Seizers etc. One things stayed the same -- the trigger is light sensitivity, stress, and illness.

For those that have never had to take a seizure medicine, they can take a very long time to get used to, and often, they must try different ones to see which work for best for your seizures. The side effects can be horrible and sometimes it takes a full month to get used to them.

The first one I tried made me more than groggy, worse, after only a few days, it amplified my light sensitivity, sending me into a whirlwind nausea, illness, isolation and more seizures. I feel like I am moving backwards in time, going back to the state I have worked so hard to get out of. Of Course I have Blue, and this is sometimes the only thing to keep me going.

This is very depressing. Not being able to do anything is also very hard to deal with. Slowly, like right now -- I am able to do small things. This is the first time I have used the computer in weeks. I wear sunglasses and use a filter on my monitor. Still , I now have to write in fifteen minute spurts. I may only get one or two in a day, or none at all.

I stopped the new medicine. The side effects were too much for this humble writer to take. Four days later, still tired to the bone, my eyes returned to the same level of light sensitivity we were trying to fix. I was back at square one. I began to become very depressed. Then just to top it off, I got the flu, again. With a fever of 103.5, vomiting, headache and sore throat, I could stand no light at all. My days were spent in bed with covers over my eyes, or crawling on the floor to the bathroom. There is something else going on the doctors have not been able to pinpoint, some autoimmune disorder not yet diagnosed. So I have been sick on and off for about 6 months. Mostly it was small viral illnesses or flus. This was a short lived flu, but a veracious stomach flu, and as the norm its was again viral, so there is not much they can do.

I have learned to live within a world of many limitations. But every creative outlet I have relies on my ability to read, write, and use the computer – except playing music, and of course hanging out with my pal Blue. Even playing music is out of the question if I am feeling ill. Everybody needs to have creative outlets, and mine were all taken away, or at least it seems from my perspective at this time. I will feel better.
Blue, as many of you have read in my first posts, rescued me as much as I rescued him -- maybe more. He gave me something to care for, to love, and to live for during a time I was seriously ready to give up. Cash in my chips per say.

When I rescued Blue, he was just a little baby, fresh out of the egg, still wet to the touch. I was in the beginning of my so called three year recovery. I was living in a small dingy trailer that was depressing in itself. I could have stayed with my family whom is loving and endlessly supportive. I needed to be alone through that period. I was dead broke fighting for my Social Security Disability. My medicine alone was costing me $1200 a month. I was un-insurable through any corporate insurance company. I now had a “preexisting condition”. This is one of the great sins of our Country, to tell someone they cannot get insurance or medical care, because they are too ill. It happens everyday.

When I found Blue I decided if I could keep him alive, I could do the same for myself. He was the best medicine I have ever received. I made a pledge to Blue in my trailer that night, and I meant to keep it.

Now ten years later I am entering another test in my life, a low point in my health reminiscent of days I thought had long passed. I am not complaining. Everyone suffers in this world. No one is immune. Comparing suffering is a game I try not to play. No one persons suffering is diminished because someone else's suffering is worse or better. I am blessed to be alive, to have a roof and a warm bed, and friends and family that love me. Still, life can get very hard, for anyone. Society demands from us certain things I believe to be very suicidal in nature. Disabled, sick or healthy, these demands can become too much for anyone. Yet these things are always there and at least for me, I cant seem to escape them completely.

This last few months have just gotten worse and worse progressively. At the height of illness, I had three nervous breakdowns in one day. I was a mess. Blue again has saved me. With the neurological issues comes extreme agitation I try to keep at bay.

Blues behavior is changing in ways as he gets older. However, instead of acting...old, he acts more young. He plays more now than ever, he invents new games and new ways of getting the attention he needs and wants and we shower him with it. He dances and sings more. He goes in to a mood where he acts like a baby, flapping his wings as he did when he needed food as a baby, and making baby sounds. His bond with me changes and grows. There are things he does I am not sure people would even believe, but believe this, he has once again rescued me from myself. He has shown me there is joy everywhere.

I am am very much a realist, a rational person. I believe and have witnessed things I cant explain in life. Not only with Blue but many other things. The world is full of mysterious and beautiful things far from our grasp of knowledge, but I also believe all these things have explanations.

Somehow, Blue knows when I am sick. He also knows if either Katie or I are stressed. I figure the knowing about the stress is from the changes in the inflections in our voices. Blue is very much aware by the tone of my voice, what kind of mood I am in. If I cry, Blue will immediately land on me and sit on my shoulder as close to my head as he can. If I get sick with something like the flu, which amplifies my other problems, Blue goes into care mode. He will not leave my side, sometimes for weeks. I just got better this morning from the flu that hit me right after the medication fiasco. A huge bottle of a yet another new seizure medicine awaits me, and it makes me sick just looking at it. But in a few days, I have to try again.

When I got the flu, I was throwing up, having small seizures, and had the worse case of restless leg syndrome I have ever encountered. I was so tired I could not function, but could not rest or even sit down -- for 12 hours due to RLS. My agitation grew worse as I got sicker and could not settle my legs down enough to simply rest, sleep or just... be. My fever got to 103.5. It got so bad I was slithering around on the floor. I felt like I just wanted to crawl out of my skin. I was slithering down the hallway, wearing sunglasses to keep th light out of my eyes. Blue fluttered above me worried like a medical helicopter trying to find a place to land on me that was still.

I tried to calm Blue down, but I was so sick I could barley speak to Blue. Then I noticed he has something in his beak. Blue will often give me something when I am not well. Normally he will return a stolen object, like a guitar pick, coin, or key. Mostly he coughs up a peanut to give me, which I accept and pretend to eat. I am not sure he buys it but I make a good attempt. Sometimes I will show him that I have hid it in my own spot. If I do this, Blue will not return and take it.

As I tried to focus on what he had, I realized it was exactly what I needed and was planning on finding as soon as I could get up off the floor, get to the bathroom, vomit, and be able to speak to a doctor. Blue had my new Neurophysiology Doctors business card in his beak. . I was in trouble. I was alone and I needed to call him. My neurological problems were so bad coupled with the flu and a high fever, I was very scared. Blue had been trying to give it to me for ten minutes.

It would not had been so strange if this card had been something Blue had shown previous interest in, but he had not. It had been sitting on the coffee table for three weeks. Blue often steals from here, and checks out the area daily. He had passed up stealing that card 100 times since I placed it there. I am not saying blue knew this card was my doctors. But he sees me use the card, many times when I am sick.

I accepted the card from Blue. I gave him a guitar pick in return, the only thing I had with me which we now give back to each other ever so often. He also took the card back when I was done, and hid it in his bowl, where it still sits. He takes it out now and then. I have let him keep it.

Still today Blue will not leave my side. He is sitting 4 inches away now. If I get up he will follow. This is what Blue does when I am in distress. If I am well, he flies all over hiding things, getting into trouble, plays, and although we interact allot, he entertains himself very well. He can spend hours investigating something new or hiding and re-hiding his many cache's of treats and treasure and stolen objects. As long as I am in eyesight, I can keep him out of trouble and he is happy.

If Blue is alone in the house he is content and will sing softly to himself. We put a camera on him when we left for several hours to see how he was alone. He was fine and I was very happy to discover this. Everyone needs time alone, even a bird. Although he is not alright for any long lengths of time in our absence. I we leave him alone for more than 5-6 hours, he will become sad. So Blue is never alone for that long. Its part of the promise I made. It's also the reason I try and tell people to think very hard before you keep such a bird as a rescue. The commitment is huge -- one I am happy I took. Unlike a dog, I cant give Blue to someone else should I become tired of caring for him, he would never be the same. I know this will never happen. Should something happen to me, Katie has bonded enough with Blue that he would remain happy.

When I am home, Blue demands one thing from me, sick or well; I must always be in view of him unless I am just getting up to go to the bathroom or get something quickly out of another room.

Every day I have needed to take a nap at 2:00. My body sort of shuts down. If I am not watching Blue, I put him in his cage. He is so interested in getting into EVERYTHING, that I do have to watch him when he is out. When I went to take my naps I would put him in his cage. Recently, he refuses. When I start to dose off, he will scream at me from his cage.. This the only time he ever screams or acts loud. Its like, “Come get me NOW!” It has nothing to do with being in the cage. Its not a cage to him, its his house, and 95% of the time, the door is always open. He demands time in his cage to hide and arrange his nuts and to rest.

I could not figure out how to solve this problem. I needed my rest too. Blue needs contentment. I am responsible for Blue including his contentment. I raised him, I opted not to let him die but to remove him from the wild. If he is unhappy, its my doing, end of story. It is my responsibility to fix it. The bedroom is one place Blue is not allowed to fly free. Katie does her arts and crafts in there, and too many things that are dangerous to Blue and readily available for him to steal. He used to just sleep on my head, or a perch nearby my bed. But I worry too much he will get into trouble as I sleep. A few weeks ago, dying for sleep. I placed the cage right up to the door of the bedroom so Blue had a clear view of me sleeping. This not only worked, but Blue enjoys it and sings softly to me as I slumber and eventually will take his own nap. He now looks forward to this time. He expects it, and thank goodness.
Had I not been so sick, I would have figured this out long ago.

The Documentary is continuing, but changing as my life spins somewhat uncontrollably around me. Its hard filming Blue, and will take time to capture all the little moments that shows who Blue really is. I am very glad Beth has been so easy to work with and understanding of what is happening in my life.

Tomorrow will be like Christmas for Blue. We just got him a slew of kids toys that do all kinds of things when you push a button, make a noise etc. Blue has a deep fascination with electronics, particularly if they have buttons, lights, and react to his actions. The TV remote, the phone, my computer, the camera, all these things fascinate Blue to no end. It was Katie that came up with the idea of trying these toys and its a great idea. I look forward to watching him learn how to make them interact.

It took seven sittings to write this. Blue is still 6 inches away watching me. I am much better today, but Blue is not convinced its over, and he is right. I have tests and new meds awaiting me.

I see Blue pave new paths to greater and greater happiness and enjoyment of life as he gets older. I often wonder which one is really the smart one here. I never trained Blue. I let him make his own rules. I never trained him to come to me on command, or let him think I was the master as you would with some animals, such as a dog. You cannot punish a bird. You cannot get mad at a bird. It serves no purpose and will only harm it. This freedom allows Blue to try things. It also makes him free in the sense that he is his own master, at least of his small realm. I may have to save him from himself at times, but its Blue that discovers happiness in the mundane items we give him.

Its Blue that seeks out joy, love and affection. It is Blue that can take a pare of chop sticks and find joy in them for an hour. Then show us they are much more than just sticks, but toys to play tug of war, sticks he can sit on and ride as we hold them and move them around as he enjoys the movement of being on such a bouncy unstable stick that barley holds his weight. That a chop stick can be chewed up, hidden, and best of all, can be used to gently pet him all over. He loves this. He finds joy in removing the paper, and the interaction of playing with the sticks and us. These joys are just a few of hundreds he has found in the simplest things. It reminds me of being a child and playing for hours in a cardboard box. When I was a young boy, my mom reminds me I would play for a day with a roll of tape and a huge cardboard box, building a fort, or whatever. We loose are childhoods. We grow up and we also loose the ability to find joy in something as simply as a cardboard box. Blue does the opposite. His mind seems to stay young, in spirit, as he grows old.

I hope to find that kind of peace, again.

Cheeky

This is Cheeky,
A commenter here and fellow Scrub Jay enthusiast caught this film of a wild, but befriended young scrub doing the Sun Trance. They named him Cheeky. Its rare to catch them doing this, as they really do trance out and are very vulnerable to attack. They must feel very safe, as this young bird did in their own yard.

I have seen other videos on you tube of Cheeky entering their house, checking out a few things and fearlessly leaving.

This shows you do not have to capture a bird to have relationship with it. It takes time, patience and peanuts ( In California) , but its worth the time.

Blues parents were friends. We feed them and they would land on us after months of work out in my mothers yard. Their first nest was in a very poorly chosen spot. A short tree in the front yard, which was odd, as we never fed them their or interacted with them there. It was also a tree kids climbed and the nest was in plain view. Crows came and killed every newborn but Blue, who dove or fell out of the nest at one day old -- still wet he survived the fall. Another bird fell with him and died on impact. No rescue center would take him at the time. The next year they moved the nest to a great spot and had a successful year and the same family continues on today, Blues relatives.
But things have changed since then. Now we have a great Native Animal Rescue Center that is VERY responsive.
Thanks for this great video of this youngster sun trancing. You can find more great videos of Cheeky and MANY other birds on there YouTube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/kiaoragin

NASA wants to clear Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

In Florida, meetings have been attracting bird and nature enthusiasts over plans by NASA to clear a section of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida for a launching pad. The meetings at there height drew about 300 people and none appeared to be in favor of the idea. Suggestions of using the old Canaveral Air Force Base property were proposed, which would be ideal because it would involve redevelopment of an existing site, which sounds like a better economic development project than clearing wildlife habitat and would serve NASA's needs just as well. I hope NASA listens.

Few other developers could get away with destroying a habitat that supports the only endemic bird in the State, the Florida Scrub Jay. As our new poster Andromeda pointed out, “There was a push a few years ago to make it our state bird. ( this humble writer thought it was the state bird...) Sadly, it was squashed claiming that the bird didn't represent "family values" since it has been known to rob nests. The senator, of course, conveniently left out the fact that they're co-operative breeders; they're so unique in that they live in little family groups and the young from years past stick around to help their parents rear future chicks.” Andromeda was right on the mark.

This has to be one of the most ignorant statements about nature I have heard spewed from the mouth of a politician in a long time. Although it does not surprise me in the least. Our own president called the Constitution “Just a God damned piece of paper!” when an aide mentioned portions of the Patriot Act were unconstitutional.

Scrub Jays are not the nest robbers people often claim they are. They do rarely take eggs, more so with the Western Scrub. Still this is very rare. Even if they were true, it would be meaningless to me in how I perceive these birds. Do we think less of the Bald Eagle because it kills to survive and robs nests. It's nature and how nature works. Were the only animal that kills for fun, and even our own species. If it was the state bird, this development plan would face more opposition.

So they may not be the state bird, but they are in great danger from development and on the endangered list. The complex NASA is proposing would cost more than half a billion dollars to build, and would take a toll on fragile wildlife and wetlands in the refuge and surrounding area. And it could close down some of the choice spots for bird-watching, kayaking, fishing and beach combing.

"There are just a lot of unknowns," said Dorn Whitmore, supervising ranger at the refuge. "It could close most of the refuge to visitors. Half of Mosquito Lagoon could be closed all or part of the time, and parts of Playalinda Beach could be shut down."

“About 500 families of endangered scrub-jays and other wildlife such as bald eagles, gopher tortoises and marsh rabbits also could be threatened and their habitat destroyed,” Whitmore said.

Because of the concerns, NASA is meeting with residents during four public hearings in TitusvilleNew Smyrna Beach this week.

"We're looking for issues, concerns and information that would help us," said Mario Busacca, the director of planning and special projects in the Environmental Program Office at KSC.

"But if people come expecting answers to all their questions, they will be disappointed."

NASA officials said the idea of a private launchpad is in its infancy.

Blue has done this dance for me solely, until yesterday when he suddenly did it for Katie. Blue has been with me since he was only a few hours or maybe a day old. So I always assumed it was because he thought I was his father or something. We have a great bond. I know its a sign of affection, most likely used as a mating dance in the wild. However for the last two and a half years, Katie has been the real hero in the house. She tends to the cages and spoils Blue silly with every conceivable nut and vegetable available in the western hemisphere. So I was very happy when he did the dance for her. I did film it but you will have to wait for the documentary to see that part. Until then, here is Blue dancing for me, just as he did for Katie.

I would like to thank Professor Clayton from the UK. He is studying the memory and capabilities of Scrub Jays and other related birds. He sent me a plethora of information on the current studies they have performed. I will make the PDF files available here soon. His work is fascinating and he has been more than helpful. I always knew they were smart and his work has only shown me they are even more intelligent in ways I was previously unaware.

Also we have a new poster, Andromeda who has sent in some very intelligent and thoughtful comments and some video that has proved to be very illuminating. Andromeda lives in Florida and is very knowledgeable about the Florida Scrub Jay. I look forward to hearing more and thank her for her time. The video shows activity in the wild Western Scrubs don't often do unless domesticated. I am learning more about the subtle and not so subtle differences.

FYI:
Although I do post videos to YouTube, due to the size restrictions I post many videos directly to my Blog. I can give you better quality videos without limitations. I will be posting a link list to all the videos hosted here with descriptions for easy access soon.

Over 130 Wild Buffalo Slaughtered in Yellowstone: up to 275 total wil be sent to slaughter

Although this has little to do with Scrub Jays, it has everything to do with animal rights. This issue needs the most attention it can receive. This is absolutely deplorable. In this article you will find both video and audio links if you wish to become more informed on this issue. Click on the "Clipped From " link for the entire article. Warning, the video is very disturbing. I could barley watch it. If I had the money I would go and join with protesters as this is just so very wrong. If your unsure I ask you to watch the video and tell me why this is necessary. These animals have already been nearly wiped from the face of the earth once, and now we treat them like this! There is no reason that makes this OK. I don't care if the Buffalo were trampling tourists. (there not) They have more right to that land then we do.

Everyone who participated in this should be put in prison.

clipped from www.indybay.org

Over 130 Wild Buffalo Slaughtered in Yellowstone: up to 275 total wil be sent to slaughter

Over 130 wild buffalo have been slaughtered by the National Park Service in Yellowstone. They have captured a total of 275 and plan to slaughter all of them. George Cadman of Free Radio Santa Cruz 101.1 FM spoke with Stephany Seay of the Buffalo Field Campaign about the real reasons behind the slaughter, what they are doing to fight this and how people can get involved.

audio:
hugeslaughterofwildbuffaloinyellowstone.mp3
MP3 at 7.6 MB

Since Friday, February 8, 169 American bison (or buffalo) have been captured from within Yellowstone National Park. The National Park Service, under pressure from Montana's livestock industry, has been running the capture operations at the Stephens Creek bison trap located inside Yellowstone's boundaries.

View video of Yellowstone bison in the Stephens Creek Capture Facility: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/media/videoaudio/Gardiner2004.mov

Things have been interesting and busy here. With Spring on the way, new birds are showing up at the feeder, including two new Scrub Jays. Blue perks up when he sees them each morning. Blue also enjoys watching the other birds at the feeder, and their songs. The feeders are right behind his cage. Blue has been hiding more nuts and singing and dancing more as spring approaches.

Filming of the Documentary has begun. Beth has been great to work with and I look forward to working with her on this project.

Today it was raining. I decided to take a walk on the beach while it was drizzling. It amazes me how the birds love the rain. They play in it, bath in it and they bask in it. To birds rain is rain and sun is sun, and my guess is they are both equal in beauty.

I am busy filming Blues many antics on a professional camera. I shot this with a small hand held.
Seabright Beach is wonderful and one of the most polluted beaches we have. Normally the signs say not even to touch the water. Yet the birds bath, drink and eat from this water. Closed waters due to pollution is ramped in the United States. Its sad that our beaches are so polluted , we cant even swim in them.

Houston we have a problem.