How common are jays?

Ragnar Lothbrok

I saw a very striking bird this morning outside my front door. When I looked it up on the Photo Birds Ireland website, I discovered it was a jay.

As I've never seen this bird before, I was just wondering how common it is?

magicbastarder

relatively common, though a bird of woodlands which is where you're most likely to see them.

Ragnar Lothbrok

magicbastarder wrote: »

relatively common, though a bird of woodlands which is where you're most likely to see them.

That explains why I've never seen one before so. I'm a city dweller and seldom venture into the wilds!

It was quite fearless too, striding up and down like it owned the place

Half-cocked

Unlike the Uk where they are often seen, the Irish Jay seems to be more shy. You'll often hear but not see them.

Alun

Yes, you'll hear them often enough in the right environment, i.e. woodland, but if you do see them it's more likely to be just a quick flash as they fly across your field of vision.

gzoladz

They are my favourite corvid, but they have what is perhaps the most disturbing call of all birds!

TopTec

Yep that call could be in a horror film. I had 3 turn up in March and they stayed for a few weeks, never had them here before. They were the top birds, lording it over the other corvids and smaller birds.



I thought they had gone but a couple of weeks ago saw two in a small copse near the forestry, one had food in its bill so clearly had young somewhere.


TT

Half-cocked

Caught 3 of them on one of my trail cams a while back, 2 adults and a juvenile. That screeching would put your hair on end alright!