Calling All Blue Jays!

At Goldfinch Farm, we’re constantly working to find harmony with nature, even when it comes to protecting our animals. As first-generation farmers, we’re keen on solutions that blend naturally with our environment, especially when we can enlist the local wildlife to help. Our latest venture? On the recommendation of our friends at Leaf and Feather Farm, we’re recruiting a few feathered guardians to join our farm family – blue jays!

You might wonder: why blue jays? They’re not necessarily the first bird you’d think of when you imagine a farm. But these vibrant, sharp-eyed birds have a special knack for spotting predators, especially hawks. While our farm’s chickens are safely kept in their pasture pens, hawks can still pose a risk, and blue jays can be a big help. Known for their alarm calls and fearless ways, blue jays can spot a hawk long before we can – and their noisy warnings are often enough to keep the predators at bay.

So, how are we attracting blue jays to the farm? We’re making Goldfinch Farm a welcoming spot for them, offering a mix of food sources, water, and shelter. Blue jays are particularly fond of acorns, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, so we’ve got plenty of those around. Planting a few more oaks and keeping brush patches in place also give them natural hideouts where they can nest and feel secure.

It’s an experiment and a bit of an unconventional approach, but we’re excited to see if our blue jay neighbors will step up to the task. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about living alongside these clever birds and whether their sharp eyes and loud calls make a difference for our feathered friends.

Want to know more or have your own ideas about farm wildlife partnerships? Drop a comment or visit us – we'd love to chat!