Some people do not like Blue Jays. I even know someone who doesn’t like birds …at…all. But maybe she has her reasons. Blue Jays can be loud and aggressive. They swoop down into the feeders, scattering the finches and sparrows. They do not usually stay there very long, either wise or frightened or both.
But I like Blue Jays. They let you know they are there. They’re not intimidated very often by any of the other feathered fliers. Truthfully, though, it’s not their character that makes me enjoy their presence, it’s the hues.
I’ve heard many people share what their favorite color is, but by and large it always comes down to blue. And no one hates blue. So when this creature lands nearby, he brings with him shades of contemplation and comfort. Mondays are often called ‘blue’, I suppose because the weekend is over and there are several days until the next scheduled rest. Blue Jays never rest. Just watch them. Listen for them.
There's more to a bluejay than any other creature. He has got more moods, and more different kinds of feelings than other creatures; and mind you, whatever a bluejay feels, he can put into language. - Mark Twain (link)
This fellow sat for me for a while. It looked like, in the picture above, he was scowling at me. Maybe so. But it was quite enjoyable to watch him at work and ultimately fly way to a branch sheltered by new leaves. He will come back another day, I’m sure, if I keep the feeders ready for him.
The Blue Jay by Emily Dickenson
No brigadier throughout the year
So civic as the jay.
A neighbor and a warrior too,
With shrill felicityPursuing winds that censure us
A February day,
The brother of the universe
Was never blown away.The snow and he are intimate;
I 've often seen them play
When heaven looked upon us all
With such severity,I felt apology were due
To an insulted sky,
Whose pompous frown was nutriment
To their temerity.The pillow of this daring head
Is pungent evergreens;
His larder — terse and militant —
Unknown, refreshing things;His character a tonic,
His future a dispute;
Unfair an immortality
That leaves this neighbor out.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” - Matthew 13:31-32
I hope your ‘blue Monday’ is just the beginning of a warm and happy week. Rest well, friends. If you enjoyed my pictures or some of the thoughts, here, click that heart!
John! I loved this issue! First, so happy to see cardinal winning in the polls. A blue jay is fine but there is nothing prettier than a red cardinal in the snow.
Second, what a great poem! I love her use of the word “civic” as an adjective of praise. Also great photos! Also, I hate the color blue but I don’t mind you thinking people like me do not exist.
Excellent article! Loved the photos and never knew Emily wrote a poem about blue jays!