Peanuts (preferably shelled) Black and striped sunflower seeds Elderberries Cherries Dogwood Acorns Suet
You should clean up any left over berries, nut shells, egg shells, feces or dead insects on the bird perch or house to keep it clean.
Beech trees are a solid second as they too have nuts Blue Jays love feasting on. What’s more, having trees around will provide the Blue Jays shelter should they need it from inclement weather (which is especially important in winter). It’s good for nesting, too.
Blue Jays are generally quick to move. If the food disappears, they won’t likely wait for it to show up. To keep the same ones around, you’ll need to be on top of your Blue Jay game.
The floor area should be no less than 8 inches (20 cm) by 8 inches (20 cm). It should be high off the ground, either mounted in a tree or on a pole. Whatever platform location you choose, make sure it is not prone to predators such as raccoons. Blue Jays can build their nests anywhere from 5 feet (1. 5 meters) to 50 feet (15 meters) above ground. [2] X Research source You can also buy hanging feeders, like peanut wreaths, that are especially designed to attract birds like Blue Jays. You can also try a fun craft if you have kids or make it alone. Take a pinecone and cover it with peanut butter and bird seeds. Birds go crazy for them and you can sometimes find these things right in your very own home. Hanging feeders are more free-floating, making it harder for other animals like raccoons to get at. However, they are more unstable and larger birds may shy away from them.
In the shade is important, too. Sometimes Blue Jays will eat and eat and then stock up food in their mouths (their gular pocket) to bring back to their home and bury for later. This can take a lot of time, and if they’re in the sun, they’ll heat up. Keep your feeders in the shade so they can stay comfortable.
Having a birdbath with a light mister or small fountain is double the fun. The birds will be intrigued, and you’ll be intrigued watching the birds’ fascination with their find.
It might also help if you offer a pile of sticks and twigs nearby to help them with building their nest. The efforts to build a nest can take hundreds of trips back and forth bringing in the needed materials. Providing them these items encourages them to remain in the area.
Because of this, many people are actually in the market to get rid of the Blue Jays in their yard, believing the Blue Jays are wreaking havoc on the other animals that are more peaceful. It’s important to consider this side before you have a yard full of them.
Blue Jays are sort of a give and take. You may have to bequeath your yard unto them, but they will grace you with their beautiful colors. If you do decide to go this route, be ready for other birds and small animals to be more scarce. They know fighting a Blue Jay for territory isn’t worth it.
Blue Jays are fairly big birds. If you want other, smaller birds around, put up a few bird houses and feeders that the jays cannot fit into. They’ll abandon the fight once they realize it’s fruitless.
