The question of whether blue jays plant seeds in containers might sound a bit whimsical, but it stems from a very real interaction: the complex relationship between birds, gardens, and the seemingly accidental distribution of seeds. Are those bright blue flashes in your garden contributing to your container gardening efforts, or are they just mischievous feathered friends?
Let's delve into the world of blue jays and seed dispersal to find out if they are, in fact, miniature container gardeners.
Blue jays are not your typical container gardeners. They're more like accidental landscapers. Their primary job, from their perspective, isn't to cultivate a beautiful container garden, but rather to survive and thrive. And a big part of that survival involves hoarding food, especially during the colder months. This is where their seed-planting, or rather, seed-burying, habits come into play.
Blue jays have a fascinating behavior: they collect and hide seeds and nuts for later consumption. They'll stuff their throat pouches, fly off to a secret location, and bury their bounty. This behavior makes them key players in seed dispersal, especially for oak trees. They can bury thousands of acorns in a single season. Many of these seeds, however, are never recovered, either because the jays forget where they put them or because they die. This creates a perfect opportunity for new trees (and other plants) to sprout.
So, if a blue jay buries a seed, is it planting it? Well, yes and no. They aren't actively aiming to grow plants, but the act of burying seeds does, by definition, plant them. They don't tend to their little gardens, water or fertilize, but they sure do prepare the soil. The question then becomes: do they do this in containers?
The short answer is: it's less likely they intentionally bury seeds directly in containers, but not impossible. Blue jays typically bury seeds in the ground, under leaf litter, or in other sheltered spots. But, let's look at the variables.
First, consider the type of container. A small, shallow pot is not likely to be a target. A large, well-established container garden, however, offers a more inviting prospect. A blue jay might, on occasion, drop a seed or bury one in your container garden if it resembles a good place to stash their food.
Second, consider your location and landscape. If you live in an area with a high population of blue jays and access to seed-bearing plants, the chances increase. The more likely the jays are to be in your yard, the more chances they have to interact with your container garden.
Third, think about the seeds themselves. Acorns are a favorite, but they'll also bury sunflower seeds, corn, and various other seeds. The presence of these seed-bearing plants near your container garden also increases the chances of seed planting.
Whether you want them or not, Blue Jays are a part of many gardens. The good news is that you can influence how they interact with your container garden, or with your garden in general.
If you want to minimize seed burying, you can try some strategies:
If you are interested in allowing birds to assist in your gardening efforts, then these tricks will help:
Ultimately, the relationship with blue jays is a matter of finding a balance. Understanding their habits and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy their presence without having to worry about them taking over your container garden.
Yes, burying seeds (and nuts) is a common behavior for blue jays. It helps them store food for later consumption, especially during the colder months. They'll bury acorns, sunflower seeds, and other items in the ground, under leaf litter, or in other sheltered locations.
Absolutely! Blue jays play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping to spread seeds and promote the growth of various plants, including oak trees. They are a natural part of the ecosystem and contribute to its balance. Also, they are beautiful and interesting to watch.
You can deter blue jays from digging in your containers by covering the soil surface with netting or fabric. Providing alternative food sources in the form of bird feeders can also distract them. Cleaning up spilled seeds and securing your containers can help to prevent them from foraging for hidden seeds.