There seems to be so much hate and fear out there. I hear people saying they hate Corvids such as Steller’s Jay or Magpies because they will rob other nests of baby birds. Yes, they will. So will eagles, hawks, owls and such; that don’t get the kind of hate that these birds do.

 I find Steller’s Jays and Magpies can be very personable and intelligent. 

My first discussion with a Steller’s Jay was when I had tiny feeders with just sunflower seeds in it on my front window and a Steller would land in it and squawk, clearly complaining that it wasnt big enough and where were the peanuts anyhow ? 

I told my husband about the discusions and he suggested making a place where they could fit on my front window. I’m thankful for such a kind and understanding husband ! I’ve become a big fan of Steller’s Jays since he put up the feeding area and I’ve got to talk and feed these responsive birds.

 My Steller’s search me out at other windows away from the feeders and talk quite nicely to me. They can have a squawk to get your attention but I’m thankful for the interaction. They do not chase off my other small birds, the chickadees and red breasted nut hatchers just dodge in to the smaller sunflower seeds when the Stellers aren’t on the feeders. Plus, I have a separate feeding area with just sunflower seeds in my backyard. What I did notice was that when a Sharp-Shinned Hawk swooped into my back yard and caught a Black Capped chickadee in flight, that the Steller’s Jays banded together and drove that hawk away. They made it known to the hawk that they were not tolerating its presence on their territory. 

So, in a sense the Jays were protectors of the adult chickadees. 

I dont hate the Sharp Shinned Hawk either.  All the birds are living out their dietary needs and instincts. 

People hate because of fear or lack of knowledge. 

The antidote to hate is compassion. All our birds have a tough time etching out an existance. Maybe help them a bit. It doesnt take much to put out a few seed and peanuts. Be kind. Our Alaska winters are tough.