NATURES

ALARM

SYSTEM

            We are all familiar with the North American Blue Jay; that beautiful bird that is so common that we often overlook it.  The Jay can be recognized from its bright colors of blue, black, and white and it seems to shine as though it had put on its best apparel just to impress you.  Believe me that’s not the case!  The Jay couldn’t care less about what you might think of it.  It reminds me of some people I have met...nice to look at until they open their mouths, then the beauty fades quickly.

            I remember when I was in grade school there was this one girl that was very pretty  but she would run and tell the teacher on anyone and everyone for anything.  Yes, the Jay is kinda like that pretty girl...too much mouth.

            Now that you have read my opening statement I can go ahead and make my case against the Jay. Have you ever wanted to photograph wildlife?  Sounds simple enough doesn’t it?  You go into the wild armed with your state-of-the-art digital camera hoping that you can get that one picture that will live forever.  You slip through the forest as quiet as a church mouse only to find nothing is there except you and a rather obnoxious bird.

            Congratulations!  You have just met natures alarm system, the North American Blue Jay.  The brazen, boisterous, beauty has already warned all of gods' creatures of your presents so you may as well take pictures of the trees.  The only pictures of wildlife you will get that day is of the Jay or maybe yourself.  You knew the instant the tattle tale bird discovered your location your day was shot.

            Do you remember the first time you ever saw a blue jay?  You were probably just a child and you might have said something like, ‘Oh, look at the pretty birdie.’  If there happened to be a more knowledgeable person with you at the time,(maybe an adult), they might have made a face like a bug had flown into their mouth.  They might have even had a few choice words to say about the dirty bird.  Even through the eyes of an innocent child the bright beauty of the Jay may have dimmed somewhat after that. 

            Now, as an adult, you know that there is very little that you can do to save the day.  You might try throwing things or waving your arms at the squawking pest but the best you can hope for is for the bird to fly a short distance away.  You can be certain that at this point the Jay is broadcasting not only where you are, but that you might be crazy as well.

            Try camping and the Jay will educate you to the fine art of thievery.  Yes, the Jay is not only a tattle-tale but a thief too.  Your wife’s hair ribbon, a loose piece of jewelry, or your car keys are all fair game for the Jay.  Anything that it can get into its mouth and fly away with is considered spoils of war.  Yes, I said war!  If it wasn’t a war when you got there, it will be before you leave.

            A picnic!  Are you crazy?  Haven’t you learned anything yet?  You can’t have a picnic with a Jay around!  Well, there might be one way...invite the bird to be the guest of honor.  Set a place for it and fix it a plate, but be advised that the rude guest might want to eat off your plate as well.  Be careful not to short change the guest of honor when dishing out the food.  If your helpings look larger it might offend your famished feathered friend and you certainly wouldn’t want to do that.

            In the scheme of things concerning nature everything has a purpose.  As for the Blue Jay, I believe that its main reason for being here is that it’s natures alarm system. (Or maybe just a pest.)
Here kitty, kitty