Column: Why the blue jays never left

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 15, 2024

Blue jays have a trick up their sleeves, or they would if they had sleeves. They are excellent mimics. They do a red-shouldered hawk imitation that is better than most real hawks I’ve heard. Their broad-winged hawk impression is almost as good. Vocal versatility is perhaps the blue jays’ true superpower. They make many different noises, indicating a complex language that supports their highly social communities. Most blue jays stay local year-round, though they may move around somewhat to adjust to winter conditions. Last year, they almost completely vacated the North Maine Woods, moving closer to suburbia where food was more plentiful. This year, mild weather and abundant natural food kept more of them back in the woods. ~ Bob Duchesne