Blue Jay: The John Gotti of Your Backyard

Dear Feather-Fanatics,

If a Blue Jay struts onto your Central New York feeder, you’re not just hosting a bird, you’re entertaining the John Gotti of the avian underworld. These loud, flashy showstoppers rock their bling like Frank Sinatra night at the Dark House Tavern. But don’t be fooled by their charm: these feathered mob bosses are sneaky, cunning, and ready to shake down any nest for a quick score. Let’s dive into why Blue Jays are the Gambino crime family of your backyard.

The Dastardly Don

A close-up of a Blue Jay with an open beak, showcasing its vibrant blue and white feathers against a blurred green background.

Blue Jays don’t just chirp, they announce their presence with calls ranging from a cheerful “Yo, what’s up?” to a piercing “Trouble’s coming. Scatter!” When a hawk or owl crashes their turf, these birds go full-on Goodfellas, mobbing the intruder with dive-bombs and shrieks that’d make a guest at a backyard BBQ drop their burger. Their loudest trick? A pump-handle scream that sounds like a prankster in the woods or a Red-shouldered Hawk impersonation to scare off rivals. It’s like Gotti barking orders at his wise guys.

The Impish Impersonator

A vibrant Blue Jay perched, singing dramatically against a blurred, colorful background of autumn leaves.

Like a mobster with a talent for aliases, Blue Jays mimic hawk calls to spook other birds away from feeders or warn fellow Jays of danger. Picture them grinning as sparrows flee, thinking a predator’s near, while the Jay swipes the suet. Pure ‘Teflon Don’ behavior, smooth and untouchable.

The Clever Criminal

A cartoon Blue Jay with a mischievous expression, wearing a black mask and striped shirt while holding a sparkling jewel, set against a blurred natural background.

Blue Jays are the masterminds of the bird world. In captivity, they’ve been caught crafting tools from newspaper scraps or sticks to snag food like a villain picking a lock. Finger Lakes farmers curse them for swooping down post-planting to nick seeds, pulling off heists with Gotti-level swagger.

The Shifty Scammer

A Blue Jay flying with wings spread wide, showcasing its vibrant blue and white feathers against a blurred green background.

One sly Blue Jay was spotted faking a peanut stash, hiding a pebble instead to throw off rivals. It’s the kind of decoy trick Gotti might’ve pulled to dodge the feds. Trickery at its best.

The Monogamist Mate

Two Blue Jays perched close together, displaying vibrant blue and white plumage against a blurred green background.

Unlike those Playboy hummingbirds, Blue Jays are more like that mobster couple who stay together, with a dash of drama. From mid-March to July, these birds pair up for life, and the male goes all out, feeding his mate like they’re on a honeymoon. If another Jay dares to invade their turf in late summer, you might catch the female throwing food back at him, saying, “Don’t even think about it!” It’s like a mob couple sharing a plate of ziti at Rosalie’s Cucina saying, “We’re in this together, now hand over the garlic bread!”

The Handy Homemaker

A Blue Jay perched on a branch with various tools like wrenches and pliers positioned in its feathers, set against a blurred green and brown background.

Each year, Blue Jays build a new nest, tucked high in evergreen trees, crafted from twigs, moss, and even stolen cloth or paper. They camouflage it to keep it low-key, and parents quietly clean out waste when needed. If a nest fails, the male brings new materials to the female for a do-over like buying a mansion for his mob-wife on Skaneateles Lake.

The Feathered Family Unit

A family of Blue Jays, including two adult birds and several chicks, nestled together in a cozy nest surrounded by twigs.

Blue Jays are all about family. Both parents team up to build a nest, with the male serving the female while she incubates. Once the chicks hatch (17-21 days old), the whole gang leaves the nest together, like the Gotti clan rolling out of Ozone Park. Parents keep feeding and guarding their young with the fierceness of a Gambino hitman.

The Protective Parent

A Blue Jay perched on its nest, displaying vibrant blue feathers and a distinct black and white face pattern.

Mom and Dad Jay are on high alert. The female broods chicks for 8-12 days while both parents feed and defend them. Owls, cats, and hawks prey on adults, but babies face threats from snakes, squirrels, and even crows. It’s a tough world out there, but these Jays guard their kids like Gotti protected his inner circle.

The Mysterious Migrant

A Blue Jay in mid-flight, showcasing its vibrant blue wings and striking features against a blurred background.

Most Blue Jays stick around Central New York all year, while the young ones jet south for winter, only to skip migration the next year. They’re like Gotti dodging a subpoena, unpredictable and always keeping you guessing. You’ll spot them from the eastern U.S. to the Northwest, slowly expanding their turf.

Will Blue Jays Crash Your Feeders?

Like the Gambino family muscling in, Blue Jays hit up any feeder, but they love the big ones loaded with peanuts, sunflower seeds, or suet. Stock your backyard like Potters Farm to Fork, and these Dapper Dons will be a regular customer.

Spill the Beak: Has a Blue Jay pulled a Gotti move at your feeder? Drop a comment and tell me about their backyard capers.

Check out the variety of Blue Jay Sounds and the creepy Squeaky Gate Call.

Sources:

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/blue-jay

Birdwatchers, Birders, and Twitchers: Which one are you?

Dear Bird watchers,

If you’re reading My Birding Journal, you’re either hooked on our feathered locals or you thought this was a scrapbooking site for lovebirds (spoiler: no glue or stickers here, just wings, beaks, and backyard drama). Let’s unpack the quirky tribes of Central New York bird enthusiasts and see if you recognize yourself.

Birdwatchers: The Casual Spotters

Birdwatchers are the laid-back nature lovers of the birding scene, like hikers at Fillmore Glen who spot a sparrow and go, “Aw, cute!” They’re out for a walk, binoculars and iPhones loaded with the Merlin app just in case they want to look up. What’s their vibe? Enjoying nature’s free show, maybe followed by a glass of Riesling at Six Mile Creek or a gummy from Sweet Grass dispensary to celebrate spotting a cardinal. These folks aren’t chasing rare birds; they’re just happy to see a chickadee while sipping coffee on their Cortland County patio. Me? I’m a birdwatcher with one toe on the birder bridge, dreaming of joining Birding Bob in Central Park (but not driving six hours for it).

Birders: The Driven Bird Buffs

A person observing birds through a camera lens, wearing a hat and focused expression, set against a clear sky.

Birders are the CrossFit warriors of the bird world. Think Skaneateles Community Center regulars chugging a Wegmans protein shake and sporting Audubon-branded sweatbands. They don’t just watch birds; they study them, identifying species by a single chirp or an unusual beak like they’re at a high-stakes trivia night at Bru 64. Ready with eBird checklists and life lists longer than a Walgreens receipt, they’ll hike Labrador Hollow trails to log a warbler’s sneeze. Their fancy cameras cost more than my car, but their data supports conservation efforts that help the birding world. Birders aren’t just hobbyists; they’re basically birding FBI agents, without the sunglasses.

Twitchers: The Adrenaline Junkies

Three excited birdwatchers observing various birds in flight, surrounded by lush greenery.

Twitchers? They crave the dopamine rush, like a hunter with ‘buck fever‘ but for a rare owl instead of a deer. Twitchers will drop everything, job, family, common sense, to chase a rare bird across state lines or another country. Imagine them booking a red eye to Iceland because someone tweeted about a snowy owl in the Westfjord. Their life lists are sacred, their apps (eBird, Rare Bird Alerts) are essential, and their slogan? “Neither snow nor rain nor low-balance bank account stops Twitchers from the chase!” If birding’s a sport, twitchers are the Breanna Stewart of birders, blurry photos and all. Watch The Big Year, it’s their life in movie form.

In a Nutshell

Birdwatcher: Got feeders in your yard, toss out whatever seed’s on sale, and call it a day? You’re living the chill life, my friend.
Birder: Whether you’re a scientist at Cornell’s Ornithology Lab (or self-taught like me), logging every beak on eBird? You’re the nerd we love.
Twitcher: Itching to max out your credit card for a glimpse of a Kirtland’s Warbler? You’re a legend, and also maybe a little unhinged.

Spill your guts in the comments

Are you a patio birdwatcher, a birder with a PhD in sparrow calls, or a twitcher ready to hitchhike to Brazil for a harpy eagle? I’m dying to know what rocks to your feeders!

Finger Lakes Bonus: Need a post-birding treat? Check out the many Wineries, Breweries, and Dispensaries.

5 Tips to Protect Finger Lakes Birds During Fall Migration

Dear Birdwatchers,

Across New York State, billions of birds are getting ready for their fall journey to the tropics. Bright Baltimore Orioles, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, and the ruby-throated hummingbirds are packing their tiny suitcases and saying goodbye to summer in the Finger Lakes. Bird lovers, with binoculars in hand and hearts full of excitement, watch eagerly, hoping these little travelers have a safe and successful trip. Snowbirds from Central New York will also be heading to warmer climates for the winter. Am I a little jealous, you bet your Rough-legged hawk boots I am.

Are you wondering how you can help with the fall bird migration? You are in luck because I’ve found five ways to make for a safer journey.

High-Energy Food (This is a Biggy)

Black oil sunflower seeds, kernels, and hearts: These are a rich and concentrated source of energy and protein for migratory birds, much like natural energy drinks like we like to order at Blue Dog Drink Co in Victor.

Suet: It’s not just for woodpeckers anymore, it’s now a tasty local delicacy! During fall migration in New York, suet becomes the bird equivalent of a gourmet energy bar, keeping our feathered friends energized for those long journeys and winter prep. Honestly, suet is to birds what a trail cookie at Emmie’s Organics in Ithaca is to us—an irresistible, nourishing treat.
Mulch piles: Central New Yorkers often compete in a neighborly rivalry like who’s going to rake up leaves first and clear out end-of-summer mulch. It’s only natural when the season to come is winter. But try to hold off during fall migration. Let leaf piles gather in your yard. These tiny mountain ranges are nature’s playground, providing a cozy mansion for insects and tiny creatures that birds love to snack on. By supporting our local critters, you can keep your yard lively and fun even though it’s killing you to finish yard work.

2. Keep Cats Indoors:

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Could Fluffy be a bird assassin?” or whispering, “My Thomasina’s way too adorable to be a murderer”? Well, believe it or not, around 2.6 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada fall prey to cats every day.
Yes, it’s surprising to think your little mouser is also a bird killer. But it’s all instinct! Just like how we desperately try to snag a last-minute reservation at Lasca’s Restaurant on a Friday night, craving that irresistible prime rib and budging ahead in line to get it. Outdoor cats risk contracting tapeworms, fleas, and other diseases, and also being preyed upon by predators and becoming a hood ornament on a speeding car. Bird lovers aren’t anti-cat; they just want to keep birds as well as our feline friends safe and sound.

3. Windows:

Windows are deadly to birds, with an estimated 599 million dying per year from collisions in the U.S. alone. Homeowners can make a significant difference by doing their part with window safety.

At night, lighted windows attract and kill migrating birds. During the day, windows reflect foliage, the sky, and other birds, which makes birds think they can fly through them. I know what you’re thinking. If I cover my windows, how will I see my birds at the feeder? Okay, maybe you’re not thinking that, but I am.

So, I did some research and here’s what I found on Amazon:

52 Pcs Circle Window Decals for Bird Strikes

WindowAlert Classic Square Anti-Collision Decal

VViViD White Perforated Vinyl Window Film

I’ve rarely have bird collisions into my windows, but some people have certain birds that will constantly run into a window because it sees its reflection. That is frustrating for both the window owner and the poor bird.

4. Turn Off Lights at Night:

Did you know that most birds prefer to migrate under the cover of darkness? Bright lights can blind feathered travelers into accidental casualties, causing them to bump into buildings or becoming lost. How can we lend a wing and help them find their way south? In New York State, the ‘Fall Lights Out initiative’ runs from August 15 to November 15, between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. Check out DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep ‘Lights out’ to Protect Migrating Birds to find out more.

5. Pesticides:

Exposure to pesticides can affect birds in lots of ways, whether they come into contact with them directly or indirectly. Sometimes, birds can swallow pesticides, mistaking them for seeds, especially pellets or granules. Imagine a bird thinking it’s grabbing a snack only to get a mouthful of chemicals. They might also get exposed indirectly by eating contaminated prey, drinking polluted water, or grooming pesticide residues off their feathers. Birds can even absorb pesticides through their skin when they bathe or breathe in chemicals during pesticide spraying. Because there’s no Erin Brockovich in the birding world, we have to do our parts to save them.

Now that you’ve got these steps in place, you can feel confident that with your help fall migration will go off without a hitch.

Are you looking to the skies for your favorite birds flying south? Let me know what you see.

Sources and further reading:

The Impact of Pesticides on Bird Populations

Fall migration ushers in birding hikes, habitat restoration in the Finger Lakes

How to help birding during fall migration

Northern Cardinals: A Glimpse into Their World

Two cardinals side by side on a native branch in South Texas USA

Dear cardinal fans,

Last night, a ruckus was going on in the woods across from my apartment. When’s the last time you heard that word? Ruckus, brouhaha, disturbance. As it turns out, it was two Northern Cardinals, one chasing the other. So, I left my armchair and went outside to have a closer look. The swishing and tapping was like a high-stakes pickleball game at Randall Park.

Amid the bare trees, their branches lightly dusted with snow, I spotted a bright red cardinal, vivid against the dreariness of March. One cardinal settled on a branch. Another male cardinal arrived and invaded the first cardinal’s personal space. The first one moved to a higher branch. The second bird continued his aggressive antics. The exhibition continued until the first bird reached the top of the tree. He then abruptly flew off to a friendlier domain.

Initially, I thought the first bird was a young one learning how to fly. After all, a cardinal brood most likely hatched in mid-March. But I looked closer through my binoculars. I realized he was a fully grown cardinal. He displayed his vibrant red feathers as impressively as the bird he bullied.

Male cardinals often engage in vigorous territorial disputes as they compete to attract new mates. I felt a strong urge to scold one and say, “Leave that bird alone!” But deep down, I understood that nature has its own ways. It’s essential to allow wildlife to follow their instincts, even when their behaviors seem intense. Watching them struggle and thrive reminded me of the often conflicting aspects of life all around us.

Have you ever caught two cardinals attacking each other over a potential mate? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Until next time, enjoy nature in your world, even if it’s only from your window.

Sources:

A Closer Look at Northern Cardinals and Their Territorial Behaviors During Breeding Season / Why Do Cardinals Attack Mirrors?

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