It Could Happen – A Nature Essay – Joy DeKok
Author Note: I have no idea if this young blue jay is male or female. When we saw each other, I spoke to it as if he was male, so I use the male pronouns when talking about him in this essay for simplicity’s sake.
The young blue jay flew in low and alone. Although there were six of seven other jays at the feeders, they ignored him.
He was an outsider.
I’d never seen a blue jay hunker down on the ground or hurry to the protection of the wildflower garden when the others sounded the alarm. Unlike the other jays, he was silent.
Within minutes, I was smitten.
The first day we spent time together, he sat on the ground eating suet an enthusiastic downy woodpecker dropped from above him. Like me, he seemed content to watch and ponder the busyness around him.
When I spoke to him, he cocked his head in my direction as if my words interested him.
It felt like a compliment.
The next day we met at the feeders again. He flew in a bit higher this time and settled on to one of the stumps Jon put out there for my feathered friends. He ate with more gusto than the day before, but he was still a loner. When the other jays flew in together and squabbled, he watched, however no invitation to join them seemed to be issued. The others left in a flurry when I spoke out loud to him.
He looked at me as if he knew who brought the goodies.
Our third meeting was even sweeter. He flew in higher than before and settled on a branch in a nearby bush. Again, I talked, and he listened. After getting a bit to eat, he returned to his branch and settled in.
It was as if being near me was natural and safe. In my opinion, his keen intelligence was right on.
Soon, sleek adult feathers will replace his soft fluff, and unless he continues his solitary ways, I won’t be able to recognize him from the others for certain.
But if a solitary jay sits on his branch or looks at me that way, I know I will hope it is him.
It could happen.
Until Next Time,
Joy
Thank you for the story. It was so sweet. It always amazes me how the birds listen to you and seem to understand your love for them when you speak to them. I can hear your gentle voice talking to them. We got our bird feeder fixed so now are seeing our friends again. 🙂
I’m glad you have your feeder fixed – hours of beautiful entertainment ahead!
He i beautiful, Joy. I so enjoyed him in picture and in word.
Kindred spirits, that’s what I say.
Thank you for sharing!
We are kindred spirits, Deb!
Joy, you are the bird-whisperer, what a beautiful story. I love when God communicates to us through nature, you bring it to life for us in the bird world. Thank you 🙂
You make me smile, Jill! God so generously gives us these beautiful creatures to enjoy and to teach us!
I too talk to whatever little animal be it fur or feather passes my path. Your story brightened my day with a ray of sunshine this morning. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Robin! It’s always nice to hang out (virtually at least) with others who talk to the creatures along our paths.
Joy
I love the way you turn everyday occurrences into such beautiful emails!
Thank you for such a blessing!
I love blue jays even though I have heard they can be bullies sometimes. Maybe because they are my favorite color or just because God made them so attractive and handsome. I agree with Jill above. You really are the bird whisperer:) Thanks for the beautiful word picture.
I’ve always loved them too and my favorite color is blue – most of the time – I’m a little fickle on that one!