 |
| Bluebirds are loved because they are harder to find, but abundant in our area. |
 |
| Bluejays are rascals with big personalities. They sing out for their friends and screech "jay" when they are unhappy - or just hungry. |
I had some mixed nuts that were stale, so I thought the creatures would enjoy them. "Nothing happened!" as they say in ELDONA. I looked later and in one corner of the barrel lid was a resolute squirrel. In the opposing corner, a large Bluejay, come to claim his prize. In the middle, mixed nuts.
Neither budged, doubtless because a move - as Nimzowitsch observed - can easily be a weakening. Pecking at the squirrel could mean being grabbed by its greedy paws and sharp claws. Jumping the Bluejay could mean sailing through the air and landing on the ground.
In a flash, the Bluejay snatched a large nut and took off, all in one motion. The squirrel and I were stunned. The jay ate his prize far away, but the squirrel stayed for a seven-course meal.
Nearby I have the so-called squirrel proof bird feeder, full of "squirrel food," as the package said. That means mostly corn, a few tiny peanuts in a shell, and a few sunflower seeds. It is ideal for all the small birds, and it sees action all day. The squirrels seem to look at it as beneath them. They are a troop of at least five who constantly search the barrel tops for various deluxe food items, from raw peanuts (no shell) to frozen blueberries, which definitely attract a lot of birds.
I have set up two cinder blocks to serve as mini-dining tables. I sprinkle some food on them twice a day. I learned they were also great step-stones to the barrel tops and steps down as well. The squirrels run from the kiddie pool to the block to the barrel and back again, according to who is fighting and winning the food.
 |
| The Goldfinch is just a colorless finch until the new livery arrives. Then he is a flash of color eating his favorite seeds. |
