If you want to attract some Blue Jays to your yard, then you are really going to be in for a real treat. These birds have some striking blue feathers, combined with quirky personalities that make them entertaining companions. You are probably missing a couple of tricks if the Blue Jays aren’t coming around your yard. Here’s everything I’ve learned about how to attract Blue Jays: from food and feeders to the best water setups and shelter ideas. Grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s talk Blue Jays!
Food: Directly to a Blue Jay’s Heart
One thing that can be said about Blue Jays is that they really like to eat and have a good snack on hand. Here’s what I’ve found works best if you’re trying to figure out how to attract Blue Jays with food:
Peanuts in the Shell: For the best viewing of Blue Jays, whole peanuts are a must. They love the things and will from time to time try to make off with two at once endearing sight that never gets old. Scatter a few around or add them to a feeder, and you’re practically guaranteed a show.
Suet: Suet is a favorite food of many backyard birds, especially when the temperatures cool off. You can purchase suet cakes that contain nuts or fruits, but if you’re feeling crafty, make your own. Hang a suet feeder where they can spot it and watch Jays put on a little acrobatic display swooping in for a bite.
Sunflower Seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds are the absolute favorite of the Blue Jays. Fill a platform feeder full of them, and you will have your crowd of Blue Jays in no time. It’s a simple, easy way to get them to stop by.
Corn: Whole or cracked corn may do the trick. Spread some out on a ground feeder, or even just on the ground itself, since Blue Jays are natural ground foragers. Fair warning: corn is also a favorite among squirrels, so be prepared for some added critters.
Fruit: While fruits are not the main course that Blue Jays eat, they sometimes still eat them, including berries, cherries, or even slices of apples. Dried fruits could be a decent alternative, particularly during periods when fresh fruits may not be as readily available.
Pro Tip: Blue Jays are great stashers of food! If you find them taking your food and flying away, repeatedly and frequently, then they may just be storing it somewhere around the yard. It’s like they’re playing hide-and-seek with their snacks.
Choosing the Right Feeder for Blue Jays
Now that you know what they like to eat, it is all about choosing a feeder that fits. Blue Jays are larger than your average backyard bird, so finding a feeder to suit their size and style is paramount.
Platform feeders are great since Blue Jays can sit on them comfortably and eat their fill without being disturbed. Place this feeder out in the open so they can easily swoop in, filling it with their favorites, such as peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Hopper Feeders: Heavy-duty and high capacity, this type of feeder will be great if you are going to mix seeds with other treats. It’s great for accommodating the Jay’s larger size and can hold plenty of food.
Peanut feeders: If you really want to commit to the peanut angle, try a peanut feeder with large mesh openings. Blue Jays will reach through to grab their snack, and they usually figure out these feeders pretty quickly.
Ground feeders: Jays are ground feeders by nature, so sprinkling some food on a ground feeder can give them a familiar, relaxed experience.
Birder’s Tip: If you’re open to it, try hand-feeding! Leave peanuts around the yard initially, then gradually move them closer. With practice, a few Blue Jays will learn to take peanuts right from your hand.
Water: The Secret Ingredient in Attracting Blue Jays
Other than food, if you ask what attracts Blue Jays, then the answer would be water. They certainly would love a good splashing in, and giving them water would make your yard quite impossible to resist.
Birdbath: The shallow birdbath is what they love, especially the ability to wade into it and play in the water. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle their antics!
Fountain: Jays are curious and many times attracted to the trickling sound of water. A small fountain or bubbler can add just the right element of attraction.
Heated Birdbath for Winter: If you’re in a cold climate, a heated birdbath is one of those fantastic additions. When natural sources of water freeze over, a heated birdbath provides fresh water the Blue Jays need, making it an honest magnet in winter.
Shelter and Nesting: Creating a Safe Spot for Blue Jays
Blue Jays enjoy a yard that has trees and shrubs, full of corners and other areas where they can hang out. They do not prefer birdhouses, but you can still accommodate them.
Trees and Dense Shrubs: Blue Jays are all about cover. This is a spot that would allow them to rest, hide, and even nest, provided by planting trees like oaks, maples, or even hollies.
Nesting Platforms: While Blue Jays first prefer to nest in natural sites, a platform placed in an area that offers protection may attract them. They prefer nesting 5-20 feet above ground, often in deciduous trees.
Brush Piles: A small brush pile built in one corner of the yard adds both shelter and insects to snack on, with no objection from Jays.
Your Questions About the Common Blue Jay Answered!
How to Attract Blue Jays to Your Yard – Final Thought
One of the joys of birding, in general, is watching Blue Jays visit your yard. But with the right setup, that can become a welcoming space for them all year round. Give them some of their favorite food, a place to splash, and a few trees to cover, and you are well on your way to being a Blue Jay favorite.
They’re intelligent, brave, and a little mischievous, and once they gain your trust, you may even find peanuts stashed away in your flower pots or hidden about your yard. A toast to happy birdwatching, and many Blue Jay visits ahead!
