https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/stellers-jay
I looked out the window next to the backyard like I do each morning while having my first cup of coffee. I always look for my wildlife friends, especially locals who come and go…
Suddenly, my pals “Jay Stellars” and Jaccy Jay showed up perched on the the lower branch in tall fir tree so I could see them.
Jaccy looked at me first with a “shack-shack-shack-shack.” Then, Jay followed with a “chook-chook-chook.”
Both wanted me to chat with them, I just know. Jaccy screams like a hawk sometimes. Jay looked back at her screaming “chook-chook-chook.”
It takes me awhile to hear what Jay and Jaccy say to me. But if my soul is listening, I hear them clearly…
I hear Jay and Jaccy discussing with some concern about their newly built nest nearby. It sounds like their nest was being threatened by a Racoon…
Ohhh! I know, it’s my neighbor, Rocky Racoon. I see him now…
The nest is a bulky ragged cup of twigs, weeds, moss, dry leaves. It is cemented together with mud and lined with fine grass, rootlets, and pine needles making a strong home for little ones to thrive…
But Rocky Racoon had other plans. He wanted to have eggs for a snack. He loves yoke the most these days… His clan waited patiently below for a snack too…
Stellers males in courtship, feed the female. Adults are quiet and secretive while nesting, but become noisy and aggressive if the nest is threatened. So, this is what Jay and Jaccy were “shack-shack-shack-shacking” and “chook-chook-chooking” so loudly about.
Mr. Jay flew toward the nest first, then Jaccy followed. Rocky Raccoon was chased away with his tail between his legs..
I told Rocky Raccoon before not mess with Jay and Jaccy when they come back in the spring. But he will never listen to me… Do you know what I mean?
With a “shack-shack-shack-shack” and a “chook-chook-chook, Jay and Jaccy go about their day, while Rocky Racoon and his clan go find something else to do.
I love all my wildlife friends for all they do. For It is their love and kindness that moves my heart and soul…
