Attracting Blue Beauties: The Top Bird Feeders To Bring Blue Jays To Your Yard
With their vibrant blue plumage and raucous calls, blue jays are a backyard birding delight. Getting these striking birds to visit your yard is no challenge – as long as you offer the right feeders and foods. While blue jays aren’t picky, they do have preferences when it comes to bird feeder designs.
In short, tube feeders, platform feeders, and hopper feeders with large perches and feeding capacity suit blue jays best.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll highlight the best feeder styles, features, and placement tips for attracting blue jays. You’ll learn blue jay feeding habits and preferences, plus discover the top-rated feeders for keeping these blue beauties coming back to your yard.
Hopper Feeders That Hold Plenty of Seed
When it comes to attracting blue jays to your yard, having a bird feeder that can hold plenty of seed is essential. Blue jays have hearty appetites and will appreciate a feeder that can accommodate their needs.
Hopper feeders are a great option as they are designed to hold a large volume of seed, ensuring that your blue jays will always have a plentiful food supply.
Wide Feeding Areas
One of the key features of hopper feeders is their wide feeding areas. These feeders are designed with open trays or platforms that provide ample space for multiple birds to feed at once. This is especially important when it comes to attracting blue jays, as they tend to be social birds and enjoy feeding in groups.
With a hopper feeder, you can create a welcoming feeding environment that will attract not only blue jays but also other bird species.
Perches to Accommodate Large Birds
Blue jays are larger birds, so it’s important to choose a feeder that has perches that can accommodate their size. Hopper feeders often come with sturdy perches that are able to support the weight of larger birds. This allows blue jays to comfortably perch and feed without any issues.
Having perches that are specifically designed for larger birds will ensure that your blue jays feel welcome and can easily access the food.
Weather-Resistant Construction
Another advantage of hopper feeders is their weather-resistant construction. These feeders are typically made from durable materials such as metal or plastic that can withstand various weather conditions.
This is important as it ensures that the seed remains dry and fresh, even during rainy or snowy days. Blue jays will appreciate having access to high-quality seed that is not affected by the weather, and a hopper feeder can provide just that.
Tube Feeders with Perches and Tail Props
Feeder Size and Port Configuration
When choosing a tube feeder to attract blue jays to your yard, it’s important to consider the size and port configuration of the feeder. Blue jays are larger birds, so you’ll want to select a feeder that provides enough space for them to comfortably perch and access the food.
Look for feeders with wider perches and larger ports that can accommodate their size. This will ensure that they can easily land on the feeder and enjoy their meal without feeling cramped or restricted.
Durable Metal Construction
Blue jays are known for their strong beaks and love for cracking open nuts and seeds. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a feeder that is made of durable materials, such as metal, to withstand their powerful pecking.
Metal feeders are more resistant to damage and can withstand the elements better than feeders made of plastic or wood. Additionally, metal feeders are less likely to be damaged by squirrels or other wildlife that may try to access the food.
Perch Designs
The design of the perches on the tube feeder can also play a role in attracting blue jays. Opt for feeders that have perches with textured surfaces or gripping material to provide better traction for the birds. This will prevent them from slipping or losing their balance while feeding.
Additionally, consider feeders that have tail props. These props are small extensions at the back of the feeder that allow the birds to rest their tails while they feed. Blue jays often prefer feeders with tail props as they provide added support and stability.
For more information on bird feeders and attracting blue jays to your yard, you can visit websites like Audubon or All About Birds.
Platform Feeders for Both Seeds and Nuts
If you’re looking to attract blue jays to your yard, platform feeders are an excellent choice. These feeders are designed to provide a large surface area for birds to perch and feed, making them ideal for blue jays which prefer to feed on larger seeds and nuts.
Here are some key features to look for when choosing a platform feeder:
Mesh Screens to Reduce Seed Scatter
One important feature to consider is a platform feeder with mesh screens. These screens help to prevent the seeds from scattering all over the ground, keeping your yard neat and tidy. Blue jays can be messy eaters, so having a feeder with mesh screens can help minimize waste and attract more blue jays to your yard.
Raised Platforms Visible from Afar
Another important feature to look for in a platform feeder is a raised platform. Blue jays are known for their bold and assertive nature, and they prefer feeders that offer a clear view of their surroundings.
A raised platform allows blue jays to easily spot potential threats, ensuring they feel safe and secure while feeding.
Protected from Squirrel Raids
Squirrels can be a common nuisance when it comes to bird feeders, often stealing seeds and scaring away birds. To prevent squirrel raids, look for a platform feeder with protective features such as baffles or squirrel-proof cages.
These additions can help keep squirrels at bay while still allowing blue jays to enjoy their meal.
When choosing a platform feeder for blue jays, it’s important to consider their unique feeding preferences. By selecting a feeder with mesh screens, raised platforms, and squirrel protection, you can create an inviting space that will attract these beautiful blue beauties to your yard.
Feeder Placement to Attract Blue Jays
When it comes to attracting blue jays to your yard, the placement of your bird feeder plays a crucial role. Blue jays are known for their vibrant blue feathers and their energetic personalities, making them a delightful addition to any backyard birdwatching experience.
To optimize your chances of attracting these blue beauties, consider the following feeder placement tips:
Visibility
Blue jays are highly visual birds, so it’s important to place your feeder in a location where it is easily visible. This will help catch their attention and make them more likely to visit your yard. Consider placing the feeder in an open area, away from any obstacles or obstructions.
This will allow the blue jays to spot the feeder from a distance and make their way towards it.
Near Trees and Shrubs
While blue jays are known for their love of open spaces, they also feel more secure when there is nearby vegetation. By placing your feeder near trees and shrubs, you create a sense of safety for the blue jays.
This will encourage them to visit your feeder more frequently, as they will feel protected while feeding. Additionally, trees and shrubs can provide perching spots for the blue jays to rest and observe their surroundings before approaching the feeder.
Discouraging Squirrels
Squirrels can be a nuisance when it comes to bird feeders, often monopolizing the food intended for the birds. To discourage squirrels from accessing your feeder and scaring away blue jays, there are a few strategies you can employ.
Firstly, consider using squirrel-proof feeders that are designed to prevent squirrels from reaching the food. Secondly, place your feeder in a location that is difficult for squirrels to access, such as hanging it from a pole or using a baffle to block their path.
Lastly, provide alternative food sources for the squirrels, such as a separate squirrel feeder, to divert their attention away from the bird feeder.
By employing these feeder placement tips, you can increase the chances of attracting blue jays to your yard and enjoy their vibrant presence. Remember to be patient and consistent in providing food and creating a welcoming environment for these beautiful birds. Happy birdwatching!
Benefits of Feeding Blue Jays
Beautiful Backyard Visitors
Feeding blue jays can bring a splash of vibrant color to your backyard. These beautiful birds are known for their striking blue feathers, which make them a sight to behold. By providing them with a reliable food source, you can attract blue jays to your yard and enjoy their stunning presence on a regular basis.
Imagine the joy of waking up to the sight of these blue beauties fluttering around your feeders!
Help with Insect Control
Blue jays are not just pretty to look at, they also serve an important role in maintaining the ecological balance in your yard. These birds are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes insects, nuts, seeds, and berries.
By attracting blue jays to your yard with bird feeders, you are inviting natural pest control agents into your ecosystem. Blue jays are particularly fond of caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, which are known to cause damage to plants.
By feeding blue jays, you can help keep these insect populations in check and promote a healthier garden.
Joy of Birdwatching
One of the greatest joys of feeding blue jays is the opportunity it gives you to indulge in the wonderful hobby of birdwatching. Observing these intelligent and social birds in action can be a source of endless entertainment and fascination.
Blue jays are known for their vocalizations and their ability to mimic other birds, which adds to the excitement of watching them interact with their surroundings. By setting up bird feeders specifically designed for blue jays, you can create a welcoming environment that encourages these birds to visit your yard regularly, providing you with countless opportunities to enjoy their beauty and behavior.
For more information on blue jays and birdwatching, you can visit websites like Audubon or All About Birds.
Conclusion
With their stellar blue plumage and boisterous voices, blue jays are a wonderful addition to any backyard bird habitat. Attracting these striking birds is made easy by offering the well-stocked hopper, tube, and platform feeders they prefer.
Place feeders with prime visibility in areas nearby trees and shrubs blue jays naturally frequent. Then sit back and enjoy the show as blue jays flock to your yard!
