This post is part of a project in the works; "An Ogemaw County Year". The blog and eventually the book will encompass nature noticing, research and facts over the course of a year with a watercolor painting for each entry. Originals and prints will be available via the website as they are completed and prepped and the book will be available upon completion.
It is a crisp January morning, just before dawn, and the world is still cloaked in the soft, dusky blue of pre-sunrise. The air is cold, and a light frost clings to the bare branches of the trees around my backyard. I stand by the window, my breath fogging up the glass as I watch the first light of day begin to seep into the sky.
In the stillness, I notice movement at the peanut feeder. A flock of blue jays arrives, their bright blue feathers striking against the muted tones of winter. One by one, they swoop down, their wings making a soft whirring sound in the quiet morning. They are an industrious bunch, each bird deftly snatching up a peanut in its beak before flying off to stash its prize.
Blue jays are fascinating creatures with a complex life cycle. They start their lives as eggs, typically laid in a nest built high in the trees. Both the male and female jays take turns incubating the eggs, ensuring they stay warm until they hatch. Once the chicks emerge, they are helpless and require constant care. The parents work tirelessly to feed them, bringing insects and other small food items to the nest.
As the chicks grow, they begin to develop their distinctive blue plumage. By the time they fledge, usually around 17 to 21 days after hatching, they are almost the same size as their parents but lack the full brilliance of adult feathers. The young birds stay close to their parents for a while, learning essential survival skills before setting off on their own.
The blue jays at my feeder are no doubt a mix of young and mature birds, all working together to gather as many peanuts as possible. But what strikes me most is their communication. Blue jays are known for their loud, distinctive calls, which they use not only to communicate with each other but also to warn of danger.
As I watch, one of the jays lets out a series of sharp, piercing calls. Instantly, the other jays become more alert, scanning the area for any signs of trouble. These alarm calls serve a dual purpose. On one hand, they can deter other birds from approaching the feeder, ensuring the jays have less competition for the food. On the other hand, these calls act as a warning system, alerting other birds and animals to potential predators in the area. Despite their sometimes aggressive behavior, blue jays play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystem. Their alarm calls can warn other species of the presence of hawks, owls, or other threats, giving them a chance to escape. This selflessness, in a way, contributes to the safety and survival of many creatures in their habitat.
As the sun rises, casting a golden hue over the frost-covered landscape, the blue jays continue their morning feast. Their vibrant blue feathers glisten in the early light, a stark contrast to the gray of winter. I marvel at their beauty and the complexity of their lives, grateful for the chance to host these birds in my own backyard.
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