Catering Business

The business of backyard catering gets complicated when half a dozen smash-and-grab artists in blue hoodies are involved. I'm talking about bluejays. They have strong instincts to store food for harder times and in only minutes they strip the feeders before smaller birds and my red squirrels get much of a chance at the grub.  Counter measures are called for!

Five of a family of six bluejays have their way at the feeders.

This container foils bluejays but not flexible little squirrels.

A redpoll enjoys a feeder cage designed to keep out bigger birds.

A white-throated sparrow pauses before foraging on the ground.

Not chatting with the weathervane, this warbler is watching for cluster flies.

On offer to chipmunks, unsalted peanuts are munched by the quirky Ellie Mae.

There Go The Groceries!

It's shortly after daybreak. The regular feeder birds trickle in to their faithful little plastic feeder for breakfast.

Change of plan. The bluejays have now finished raising their brood and are busily collecting and storing food for the winter.

Say goodbye to the groceries, boys!