Jay becomes the 40th bird species to visit Bracken House

On November 3rd 2014, a Jay was seen at Bracken House. This was the fortieth different bird species recorded here since 2010. The bird was seen sitting on the fire pit, only a few feet from the kitchen, before flying into the large field. The Jay stayed here for a few minutes pecking at the ground before flying off.

The Jay is a very colourful, though secretive member of the crow family. Found throughout the country they live in woodland, though they sometimes visit gardens. They feed on acorns, nuts, seeds and insects, but also eats nestlings of other birds and small mammals.

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Despite being brightly coloured, they are rarely seen as they don’t often leave the cover of the woodland where they live. Jays are famous for their acorn feeding habits and in the autumn they can be seen burying acorns for retrieving later in the winter.

Jays are found throughout the United Kingdom, except Northern Scotland, in both deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks and mature gardens.

Related articles

• Have an awesome autumn half term with the National Trust
• Siskin sighting bird highlight of the week
• Stock Dove added to list of identified birds
• Surprise visitor to the patio
• Reed bunting becomes 37th visitor
• First real signs of Winter