In the Garden
We got back from Fowlmere and just as we sat down for a coffee a little Robin fledgling came and sat right infront of the window, then a few more visttors appeared…..
Probably our favourite visitor although never stays for long, the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) is one of the most striking and intelligent members of the crow family, Corvidae. Common across woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout Europe, this bird is as clever as it is eye-catching.
Medium-sized, the Eurasian jay measures around 34–35 cm in length, with a wingspan of 52–58 cm. At first glance, its plumage might seem subtle compared to other birds, but a closer look reveals a beautiful and intricate blend of colours and textures. The jay’s body is cloaked in soft, pinkish-buff feathers, offset by a stark black moustachial stripe that runs from its beak down its throat, giving its face a sharp and thoughtful expression. Its crown is streaked with black and white, creating a fine, almost marbled pattern across the head.
The real showstopper, though, is its wings. When the bird takes flight, it reveals vivid patches of electric blue and black barring on its wing coverts, a flash of colour that contrasts beautifully with its otherwise muted tones. Its tail and wing tips are a glossy black, while the rump is bright white, a feature especially noticeable when the bird is in motion, darting between branches.
Beyond its looks, the Eurasian jay is renowned for its intelligence and complex behaviour. A natural mimic, it can imitate the calls of other birds — and even human-made sounds — with uncanny accuracy. This skill is often used to deceive other species or alert fellow jays to danger.
Its diet is just as diverse as its talents, though it’s particularly famous for its love of acorns. In autumn, jays are often seen collecting and burying hundreds of acorns, caching them in the ground for winter. Not only does this behaviour help the bird survive the colder months, but it also makes the Eurasian jay an accidental forester, as forgotten acorns often sprout into oak saplings.
Elusive and shy, the Eurasian jay is often heard before it’s seen, letting out a loud, rasping screech that cuts through the quiet of the woods. But for those who pause and watch, it’s a bird full of surprises — clever, adaptable, and vividly beautiful against the greenery of its