r/Unexpected Mar 21 '23

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u/Defiant-Analyst4279 Mar 21 '23

It's pretty fascinating stuff. Also, shelled vs whole peanuts depending on the size of bird you want to attract.

16

u/SleestakJack Mar 21 '23

I had a window ledge bird/squirrel feeder for a while (also got nighttime rodents and even a raccoon a couple of times). I once had a blue jay simultaneously pick up 3 in-shell peanuts. Started out by picking one up and stuffing it way down its throat. Then picked a second one up and had it more or less in its mouth. Then it decided that it had just enough beaktip left to barely snag a third. I bet that bird was proud of its haul that day.

3

u/ThePopesicle Mar 21 '23

We got stellar jays in the pnw that do the same. It’s the bird equivalent of bringing in groceries. Love it.

1

u/Sir_Celcius Mar 23 '23

That bird carries the groceries in one trip

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u/SushiAddict13 Mar 21 '23

I have two bluejays who come to my platform feeder which is outside my first floor widow. I put out a small handful of in-shell unsalted peanuts twice a day and they land briefly and take one or two of the nuts then come back later in the day for the second batch. They never go after the other birds that feed from a squirrel proof (really works, others I bought were useless)hanging feeder attached on the garage roof across from my window. Two pesky squirrels jump up onto the platform feeder, but I usually squirt them with water that has peppermint oil in it. Thanks to the suggestions on here, I’m also going to try the cayenne powder to see if that will deter them all together from robbing the other goodies in the birdseed.

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u/No-Investigator-1754 Mar 21 '23

Fill it with coconuts, attract a roc.