deer witchI hope this young visitor the #PunkBirdsNest jays were successful with their nest building elsewhere
Shoutout to @anglemaece for finding a @falseknees comic which clearly captures today’s #PunkBirdsNest updates
So today they mostly weren’t around the balcony or beam overhead, except for once a Steller’s Jay came and picked up a twig off the balcony and flew off with it. I’m guessing they might have decided to try installing the #PunkBirdsNest somewhere else.
That said, there were still two pairs of Stellar Jays at the backyard feeders, so it could have been someone from the second couple stealing a twig for their own project.
The jays are back at their #PunkBirdsNest . I don't want to jinx them, but it does seem like two of the nests they've started this morning are taller and denser than the last attempts, both maybe 1"/3cm tall ! 🤞 🍀 🧧 🐣
Me: any nest updates?
Partner: they have stopped building attempts to gather more sticks
Me: that’s good?
Partner: I don’t think the quantity of sticks is what’s holding them back
They’re still trying! And failing. But trying! #PunkBirdsNest
Yesterday the punk jays spent less time on the #PunkBirdsnest that I saw , perhaps they were out finding sustenance, or just relaxing after the stress of repeated nest failings.
I wouldn’t blame them for trying elsewhere, but I did miss them.
This morning my partner (who wakes up much earlier than me) sent me a photo. They’re back with hopefully helpful scavenged materials. I’m glad they’re back and still trying.
They were doing really well with this one but then it fell down ):
But they picked up some twigs and are trying again. Good luck, you stellar jays. 🖤💙
Anyway, if there's anyone who is more of a Bird Knowledge human vs of me, a mere Bird Appreciator human, I'd love to know
Are so many nest attempts are typical for Steller's Jays?
How long does nest building usually take?
Are any other corvids more/less adept at nest building?
#OrnithologyQuestion #corvids #StellersJay #StellarJay #PunkBirdsNest
So um, I really thought that nest-building would be like a strong instinctual skill, the way that like, baby mammals know how to nurse or whatever. Corvids in particular are immensely intelligent.
But the jays worked on their #PunkBirdsNest starts most of the afternoon and seemed to keep getting 2-8 twigs in then knocking them off the beam.
I mean, I would NOT be good at building and balancing a nest either so no judgment! I'm just surprised it seems as hard for them as it would be for me.