I was looking out the window a few weeks ago and the Blue Jay was on top of one of my arbors in the garden (yes I know it needs painting) . As I watched he started doing something odd, "picking at the chipped paint" ?
I went and got the camera and shot these photos through the window at the best angle I could, so they aren't great. They are cropped a lot so you can see this behavior.
I mainly wanted to be able to pull them up close to see what he was really doing.
My thinking was perhaps there was insects under the paint. Then maybe the Nuthatch had tucked seeds under the loose paint for a later snack.
I went and got the camera and shot these photos through the window at the best angle I could, so they aren't great. They are cropped a lot so you can see this behavior.
I mainly wanted to be able to pull them up close to see what he was really doing.
My thinking was perhaps there was insects under the paint. Then maybe the Nuthatch had tucked seeds under the loose paint for a later snack.
Here he is the "Blue Jay"
Searching out a good spot to pick at.
"I see a good piece"
"Oh I got it".
"Ooop's darn I lost it"
Try again...".right there I see it"
"Ooop's reached to far".
"Oh well'.. looks good right here.
"Yummy"
Yes he ate it!!! Has anybody ever seen this behavior?
Since this I have seen a Jay picking paint chips,from the deck rail, and eating it !!!!
That is very strange. It would be interesting to know if he actually eats the paint or some small insects hiding there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth...yes very strange, but those Jay's are characters : )
DeleteGreat series of shots, never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret... : )
DeleteSome great action shots GG, especially the third from last.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Roy. It is a wonder the photo's are good at all, I was laughing so hard watching this action : )
DeleteWelcome back to blogland Grace...I'm guessing, on seeing the amount of snow you've had, that you've just emerged out of hibernation?
ReplyDeleteStrange behaviour from the Jay...Corvids are renowned for being smart birds maybe it's just giving you a helping hand to strip off the old paint before you break out the brushes?...[;o)
Thanks Trevor... Ya we have had our share of snow, and yes I have imaged from my cocoon, a bit early though. ; ) still cold!
DeleteHe has a lot of picking to do then : )
hmmm...I'd suggest he's a zombie jay.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the zombie part, but strange : ) Thanks
DeleteAnd they blame ammo and sinkers for lead poisoning ;) lol (joke people)
ReplyDeleteCheck out this article on this exact same behavior - http://feederwatch.org/learn/articles/blue-jays-eating-house-paint/ - they claim it's for the calcium.
Thanks Na-Na.. Hey now that I never thought of that !!! I'll check that out : )
DeleteA great series! They are looking for calcium carbonate in the paint. They need calcium for egg laying and nesting. I put out crushed baked eggshells for them, and leave my paint alone.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen... It looks like I need to eat more eggs ; ). You say baked shells...could you let me know here how you do that ?? : )
DeleteWonderful photos and post ! Yes ours do things like this all the time Blue Jays are notorious for eating just about anything they can some do it as roughage for their digestion like you see birds peck at sand and stones . Yes Karen is also correct about the calcium carbonate some Blue jays are known to steel others eggs out of the nests just for this purpose as well ! Thanks for sharing , have a good weekend !
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine. Yes I do remember hearing that they eat others birds eggs it all makes since : )
DeleteWow! These are nice pictures Grace. It is a strange behavior and I would love to know the ingredients of this paint! : ) Maybe it is salty???
ReplyDeleteBlue Jays are so intelligent. I was watching them this winter as they were taking some peanuts we give them in the morning. Some of them hide them in the snow and come back for another one, just like squirrels do.
Anyways, this is a very intriging post but lovely.
I hope you are doing well and like me eager to see some green!
Have a lovely weekend and take care.
Louise
Thanks Louise glad you liked it. ... I am looking forward to some green too.. : )
Deletelove the shots with his wings spread!
ReplyDeletemaybe he's clearing away the old paint so when spring comes you can repaint! ha.
Thanks Laura.. it's been awhile for both of us on here. Nice to see you pop up : )
DeleteHi grammie, good to see you blogging, great photos, I don't remember ever seeing Bluejays here in Alaska, not to say they arn't.
ReplyDeleteThanks John... I know that like the colder weather, I am surprised you don't have them there : )
DeleteGreat series of shots Grace.
ReplyDeleteI see a few people have beat me to it for the reason he's eating paint.
I was going to say to do with digestion, like eating small stones/gravel. The calcium content makes a lot of sense though. Clever birds.
Thanks Keith... Clever they are : )
DeleteThanks Keith... Clever they are : )
Deletegreat photos of the jay and its behavior! How odd!
ReplyDelete