in the yard in the apartment building where I live and now when we go close to the tree to reach our trash, recycling and compost bins she dive bombs on us. Can anything be done about this? Until she stops I will wear my motorcycle helmet every time I have to go into the area. And please don't suggest we try to reach the nest, it's too high up.
Blue jays can be quite aggressive when they have a nest or newly fledged chicks to protect.
http://www.wildbirds.com/AttractBirds/Un ... Your blue jay situation is described all the way at the bottom of this page. It says they'll incubate eggs for 18 days and after another 20 days the babies fledge. You have to have gotten through at least part of the time already so it shouldn't be much longer.
this is normal behavior she is just protecting her nest and will do so until the babies are born and gone. It is illegal to touch or move the nest so I would hope no one would tell you to do so. Just keep wearing helmet and dodging her. Just ignore her as well. Once the babes are born she will go back and forth to feed them. Dont be surprised if you see a few on the ground as they will live there for a few days until learn how to fly. Parents will feed them. These are called fledglings and as long as have all feathers should be left alone. Good luck
It is not even breeding season right now ... so a little perplexed why this bird is still nesting! It will not last forever .. just be patient .. take an umbrella with you when you go out there ... it will startle the bird and protect your head. Most times they don't even really make contact with you .. they will just swoop and go away. Keep in mind all wild native birds are protected by law and cannot be harmed of killed. And just because a bird acts like it normally should does not mean it is deranged!
The blue jay isnt deranged, she is protecting her nest
