Blue Jay Manor June 16, 2009

A few paintings in the 'for sale' area of the artwork section, have sold, but there are a few that are still available, like this one!

We have a family of Blue Jays in the backyard, and Gabe and I have been keeping a close watch on them. It really has been a riveting reality show, Birds Gone Wild! Ha-ha.

We've seen the Blue Jay parents bringing food to their hidden nest in the blackberry bush for months now.

Screech screech screech from the babies, all day long, and the hardworking mama would fly all around to find bits for them to eat. And what I assume to be the dad, would bring some food bits sometimes, too. Or the dad could be a friendly aunt. I have no idea how to tell a Blue Jay lady from a Blue Jay man. Anyone?

But just a few days ago, the squeaking (errr..screeching) babies flew from their nest, and started to learn how to forge for food on their own.

In just a matter of days, they've gone from scrawny fluffy babies, to awkward Blue Jay teenagers. They are rebellious and careless and a bit dumb, but all together extremely entertaining.

On the days I work from home, I usually write and work at the kitchen table where I have a really good view. Oh those birds! I send Gabe frequent bird updates. Including ones that involve the evil crow bully that comes into the yard to frighten the Blue Jay teens, for no apparent reason.

It really is fascinating. Or am I just turning into a boring old lady bird watcher? Hard to say...