there are bluejays in my tree!

Ok... so I know that 

I don't like birds.

Honestly, they terrify me.

But Sunday afternoon I noticed a pair of blue jays out my window.  I had noticed one a few weeks ago when I was eating dinner with Ryan... their nest is visible from my spot at the table.  And then on Sunday I watched as the female layed an egg.  (Of course, I didn't see her lay an egg... but I'm sure that's what she was doing!  She looked in pain and everything!)  The male scared off other birds during this time, and at one point went and sat in the nest for just a bit while the female sat nearby and ruffled up her feathers at him.  

Then he returned to his chasing of other birds in the neighborhood and the female climbed back in the nest.  She has been there or close-by ever since.  Monday I saw the male flying around and he brought her a worm... I know he's nearby and if I'm right about that female laying an egg in the nest in my tree Easter Sunday, there will be baby birdies in my tree soon!!  

Here are some facts about blue jays...

Breeding interval

In the north, only one brood per year may be produced. 

In southern regions, however, 

Blue Jays may raise two broods each year. 

Breeding season
Blue Jays breed from March through July. 

Eggs per season
3 to 6; avg. 4.50

Time to hatching
17 to 18 days

Time to fledging
17 to 21 days

Time to independence
3 months (average)

Blue jays mate for life and the male and female take turns incubating the eggs, although the female sits on them most and the male brings her food. Once the babies hatch, they share in feeding the baby birds up until they become independent.  So... 

Mrs. Bluejay's due date is Wednesday, April 29th!  :)  

Maybe I'll even get to see the little guys learn how to fly!  Insha'allah (God willing) I will get some pictures of the actual Mr. and Mrs. Bluejay up here soon in my tree... for now, these pictures are ones that most closely resemble them.  Mr. Bluejay is on that green backdrop and I like how his head is cocked as he's always looking around for something to squawk at. And Mrs. Bluejay was pretty fat when I first saw her, so that's a good picture for her!  She is a little more grey than white, though.  When I was little Grandma Nelson used to point out her birds in the backyard to me.  I didn't like them then except for the pretty cardinals and bluejays and hummingbirds because they had such bright colors.  Bluejays are pretty mean, and I'm scared that sometime Mr. Bluejay will swoop at me after he catches me checking out his nest from my window or porch... but they are kind of interesting to watch!!  :)  More bluejay news to follow!