So today they mostly weren’t around the balcony or beam overhead, except for once a Steller’s Jay came and picked up a twig off the balcony and flew off with it. I’m guessing they might have decided to try installing the #PunkBirdsNest somewhere else.

That said, there were still two pairs of Stellar Jays at the backyard feeders, so it could have been someone from the second couple stealing a twig for their own project.

The jays are back at their #PunkBirdsNest . I don't want to jinx them, but it does seem like two of the nests they've started this morning are taller and denser than the last attempts, both maybe 1"/3cm tall ! 🤞 🍀 🧧 🐣

Me: any nest updates?
Partner: they have stopped building attempts to gather more sticks
Me: that’s good?
Partner: I don’t think the quantity of sticks is what’s holding them back

#PunkBirdsNest

They’re still trying! And failing. But trying! #PunkBirdsNest

Yesterday the punk jays spent less time on the #PunkBirdsnest that I saw , perhaps they were out finding sustenance, or just relaxing after the stress of repeated nest failings.

I wouldn’t blame them for trying elsewhere, but I did miss them.

This morning my partner (who wakes up much earlier than me) sent me a photo. They’re back with hopefully helpful scavenged materials. I’m glad they’re back and still trying.

They were doing really well with this one but then it fell down ):

But they picked up some twigs and are trying again. Good luck, you stellar jays. 🖤💙

#PunkBirdsNest

Anyway, if there's anyone who is more of a Bird Knowledge human vs of me, a mere Bird Appreciator human, I'd love to know

Are so many nest attempts are typical for Steller's Jays?
How long does nest building usually take?
Are any other corvids more/less adept at nest building?

#OrnithologyQuestion #corvids #StellersJay #StellarJay #PunkBirdsNest

So um, I really thought that nest-building would be like a strong instinctual skill, the way that like, baby mammals know how to nurse or whatever. Corvids in particular are immensely intelligent.

But the jays worked on their #PunkBirdsNest starts most of the afternoon and seemed to keep getting 2-8 twigs in then knocking them off the beam.

I mean, I would NOT be good at building and balancing a nest either so no judgment! I'm just surprised it seems as hard for them as it would be for me.

I haven’t able to get a shot with both of them working on the same nest but they sometimes do. When they do it seems like one usually is the builder and the other is support item delivery (I’m imagining a tv surgical bit, with “twig” said like “scalpel”)

I think there’s 4 starter nests all along this beam.

I’m giving space and not using the DSLR during this fragile early construction phase because it spooked them once and I feel real bad about that.

#PunkBirdsNest

The two stellar jays are building togetherrr 🥹

They have a few started, I wonder if they’re going to pick whichever seems best?

Gonna try to hashtag the updates #PunkBirdsNest 🖤💙