What I’ve Seen Blue Jays Do to Survive the Harshest Winters


One of the joys of birdwatching for 13 years is noticing how birds adapt — especially the tough ones like Blue Jays.

While most songbirds disappear when snow hits, Blue Jays stay. And they don't just endure — they thrive. I've seen them hide sunflower seeds under snow, stash acorns in fence posts, and hunker down in thick shrubs to block out windchill.

Their memory is incredible. I've watched a jay return to a hidden cache weeks later. Combine that with thick plumage and strategic sheltering, and you’ve got a bird built for winter.

If you’re interested in what to feed Blue Jays in winter, I shared some practical tips here:
👉 What to Feed Blue Jays

They’re not just loud birds — they’re winter warriors.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Fresh Look at the Female Cardinal: Quiet Beauty in Your Backyard

Image
 When people think of the northern cardinal, the flashy red male usually steals the spotlight. His bright feathers are hard to miss against snow-covered branches or green summer leaves. But what about his female counterpart? The female cardinal may not wear a fiery red coat, but she has a subtle, elegant beauty all her own—and she plays a vital role in the cardinal’s story. Let’s take a closer look at this often-overlooked backyard bird. Graceful Colors with Personality Instead of bold red, the female cardinal wears soft shades of warm brown, tan, and gold, accented with touches of red on her wings, tail, and crest. Her bright orange beak and black face mask give her a distinctive, expressive look. Many birdwatchers actually prefer her natural, earthy appearance— she’s not trying to stand out, and that’s exactly what makes her special. She’s Smart, Too In the cardinal family, the female takes the lead in building the nest. She chooses the location, gathers materials (with h...
Read more

Why I Watch Birds: 13 Years, Thousands of Wings, and One Life-Changing Habit

Image
 Hi, I’m Rifat — a backyard birder for over 13 years. It started with a Blue Jay. I was sipping coffee one chilly morning in Ontario when a pair landed on the fence — bold, vocal, full of personality. That moment turned into a habit, and the habit into a passion. Since then, I’ve watched thousands of birds across seasons: from curious cardinals in my backyard to secretive warblers deep in the brush. I’ve learned to slow down, to listen, and to notice. Birdwatching isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of seeing the world. And I believe it’s something anyone can do — whether you're feeding finches from your balcony or hiking trails in search of woodpeckers. I’ve recently started writing about birds, especially backyard species like Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, and finches. If you're curious, feel free to check out my site: 👉 WildBirdLady.com – Field notes, guides, and stories from a lifelong birder. In the next issue, I’ll share: What I feed Blue Jays (and why they love it) ...
Read more