Lynda, I'm so sorry about your dead nestlings. I would like to hear the
answer to your question, too. I find it hard to believe that Blue Jays
would allow Grackles to kill the babies. It's true that Jays generally back
off when the Grackles are around but this morning a Jay was on the feeder
when a Grackle zoomed in. To my surprise the Jay didn't leave and even
pecked at the Grackle who flew off.
Nancy Young
Botetourt County
-----Original Message-----
From: va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Tom and Lynda Blair
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 4:49 PM
To: va-bird
Subject: [Va-bird] Question about Grackles
A few weeks ago, I found 4 dead nestling Jays in various parts of my yard.
The tops of their heads had been destroyed. I was told this was probably the
work of Grackles. Today the Bluebirds in one of the nest boxes fledged are
were sitting in the trees near the box. A few hours later I heard a
commotion and the Bluebirds were going crazy. There were 2 Grackles near the
babies. I chased them off. I'm wondering if they will do the same thing to
the fledgling Bluebirds that they did to the nestling Jays? I figured they
did that to the Jays so they could use the nest. But are they just killers
in shiny back coats and will go after any young birds?
Thanks..
Lynda Blair
New Kent County