By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary
Alright, settle down, settle down! I know I'm a bit loud, but that's just the way I am. A big, bold, beautiful blue jay, a recent visitor to the foothills of Alberta. I'm a bit of a celebrity, you know. You might be used to seeing me in the east, but my family and I are expanding our territory, and this place is just too good to pass up.
My name is Jasper, and yes, I am a true blue jay! None of that Stellar's jay (Seen in the picture) nonsense from my mountain cousins. I've got that classic crest that stands up when I'm excited or angry, a white face with a distinctive black "necklace," and a beautiful mix of blue, white, and black on my wings and tail. We're about the same size as a robin, usually around 25-30 cm in length. My feathers get their brilliant colour from a trick of the light; they're actually brown, but the way light scatters on them makes them appear blue. Pretty neat, huh?.
We're not traditionally from this part of Canada, but we've been pushing our way west, and the foothills are a perfect new home. My kind is found throughout southern Canada, from Newfoundland to Alberta. We're an adaptable species, you see, and we've learned to thrive in new environments. We love mixed woodlands with oak and beech trees, but we're just as happy in urban parks and backyards, especially ones with feeders.
And let me tell you about my voice. Why am I so noisy? Well, I'm a communicator! A town crier! A neighbourhood watch! I'm alerting everyone to potential threats. A hawk circling high above? SCREEEE! A curious cat poking its nose into the bushes? JAY-JAY-JAY! I'm also pretty good at mimicking other birds, especially the red-shouldered hawk. It's a great way to clear out the bird feeder and get all the sunflower seeds for myself. Don't judge, a bird's gotta eat!
Speaking of which, my diet is quite varied. I'm an omnivore, you see. I love insects, especially caterpillars and beetles. In the fall, I'm obsessed with acorns and other nuts, which I'll hide in dozens of places for a later snack. This caching is a great way to spread oak trees to new areas, so you can thank me for that. We'll also eat wild fruits, berries, and grains. In the winter, you can often find me at a feeder, enjoying sunflower seeds and peanuts.
My mate and I, we're a pair for life. We build our nests together, a bulky cup of twigs and grass, often in a deciduous or coniferous tree, usually 3 to 10 meters off the ground. We'll use mud to hold it all together and line it with fine rootlets. My mate will lay four or five eggs, a beautiful greenish or buff color with brown speckles. We take turns incubating them for about 16-18 days, and then for the next few weeks, we're busy feeding our hungry babies. They're pretty noisy, too, I must admit. It's a family trait!
So, there you have it. My life. It's a good life. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. The foothills of Alberta are an incredible place to live, full of life, beauty, and adventure. From the majestic mountains to the peaceful rivers, there's a new discovery waiting for you every day. Just like me, you can have a life of comfort and wonder, all year long.
I've been watching you, and I can tell you're ready for a change. You're ready to make a nest of your own here. You want to wake up to the sound of the wind in the trees and the call of a proud blue jay. And you're in luck! My friend, a wonderful realtor, knows every nook and cranny of this area. He can help you find your perfect home, a place where you can watch the seasons change and live your best life.
Let him help you discover the amazing world that's waiting for you in the Alberta foothills. I promise, you won't regret it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I see a squirrel with a particularly juicy nut, and I have a hawk impression to practice. SCREEE!
