This job's for the birds...

[redcarpetdrew]

Went on a call today and was almost to the door when something just about took my hat off my head. I looked up and about 2-3 feet away on the the roof edge of the porch was a scrub jay looking at me. I thought "What the heck?". The customer answered the door and told me that was 'Steve'. It had taken them 2 years to teach it to take peanuts from the hand, head or just about anything else. So This is 'Steve' taking a peanut. I just love how every day on this job brings something new for me to see...

 

[jeffg]

If "Steve" has a nest with chicks nearby, the head diving is a defense. It's intended to drive intruders away.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I thought so at first but his nest is across the street in some trees. The customer told me that they will put peanuts on their hats and that sometimes caps with a little 'button' on the tops will fool him into trying to grab it. The tree above me had about 5-9 more jays in it and looked to be of various ages including young ones. I was told that it started with Steve and grew to 10-15 jays at a time. The others aren't so quick to get the peanut from the hand but if you toss one on the ground, watch out! It's like something out of "The Birds"... LOL!

RCD

 

[revvinkevin]

Very cool Andy! And AWESOME photo of Steve!