BLUE JAY
PR

Even though it is loud, bold, arrogant and a clown, the blue jay generally wins a spot of admiration in everyone's heart. Perhaps it is because of his dashing manner or perhaps because he is a belligerent watchdog against snakes, rats, dogs or other dangers to the feathered tribe. Certain it is that no one hates him completely.

At the feeding station, he acts like a blue-garbed patrolman going about his business of protecting the smaller birds; but, come the warm days of spring, he becomes a sneaking, cannibalistic bird searching for eggs and young birds to devour. In his case, the old saying "Fine feathers do not make fine birds" is certainly apropos.

Blue jays are one of the larger birds, as they are about twelve inches long. They are bright blue above with a black necklace and dusky white underparts; the wings and tail are barred with black. The handsome bird wears a jaunty crest with the aplomb of a river boat gambler.

The blue jay is a hoarder, storing away nuts and seeds to provide for hard times. Of course many seeds are forgotten and eventually grow into trees; this trait is another plus for his character.