There are baby blue jays in a tree in my boyfriend's back yard. We watched them fledge today, and 2 didn't survive (a shed was in the way of one of them, and the other was too weak to get out of the way of neighborhood kitties). I have a big dog who is currently staying with my boyfriend, and I don't want the remaining babies to be in danger while they're still learning to fly. Dog is in the house most of the time, but when he's outside, I don't want him to go after a baby jay that's fluttering on the ground thinking it's a toy or something that he needs to check out. So for now, when he goes out, he's on the leash.
How long will the jays be needing the nest? And how long does it take for the babies to really fly instead of flutter?
It was amazing today. We were able to coax one of the babies out from between the shed and a wooden fence and onto the compost heap. His mama allowed me to get within a foot of him even. I didn't touch him, but I was sure tempted to pick him up and put him in a tree (not a good idea, I know, that's why I refrained). Sadly, he just wasn't strong enough to get very high. But Mama Jay came and sat on a branch right by my head and sang. Not that screech that blue jays are known for either. A pretty whistling song. I don't think I'll ever experience anything like that again.
So if you could answer how long they'll continue to use their nest, I'd appreciate it. Also, is it possible they'll return next year?
