Martin's Old Off Grid Log Cabin #6 The Finnicky Gray Jay

One of Martin's Gray Jays shows its displeasure when it does not like whats on the menu.

[@susanelainesanner]

Several years ago when I first viewed this video, I was stunned by Martin's soft voice and opened hand. The video gets better every time I see it! Thank you, Martin.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Wow, thank you! The peace at that cabin certainly keeps things on the soft and gentle side.

[@kendrasmith6637]

Love watching the birds come to you. We have bird feeders here and I love watching them. 😊 Your channel is fun to watch. Thanks Martin. I like Vonnies channel too 😊

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

So nice of you

[@pcking2008]

Sneaky squirrel in the background probably trying to get in the cabin for some breakfast LOL Angel from The Bay

[@retiredyeti5555]

Great to be trusted by a wild creature - great video, including the squirrel in the background.

[@arlenelongson3570]

Hi Martin. I have lived with Whiskey Jacks full time for nine years. I am just beginning to make videos about them. I have a few already but not the best yet. We should swap stories. They do like egg, but they prefer meat and fat. They like it scrambled really well. They also love dry oatmeal soaked in melted beef fat and peanut butter. Quality mild cheddar is a favorite as well.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I do enjoy having them around but do no feed them on the window sill any more. In last winter's video Joan had spoiled them and they became obnoxious. The young are driven away each year but I have come across them within a few miles of the cabin. When they want my lunch I figure they have been trained at the cabin. I am curious as to how long they will live. I think I am on my second pair.

[@Gizathecat2]

I just love those bold little corvids. At Mount Rainier National Park the Gray Jays are master panhandlers! Their kin, the Clark's Nutcrackers and Stellar Jays are also very bold panhandlers in the park.

[@jamiepeirce526]

Thanks for this. A pair was following me in northern SK this weekend. I was amazed as they they were with me for hours. Waiting in front of me until I got close and then flying off 10 feet ahead. Next time I’m in the forest up there, I’ll bring some bread.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They make great company.

[@Sixregan]

Thank you so very much for sharing with us Sir. I was able to do this with Blue Jays in Ontario, I've moved but picked up again with more Blue Jays at my new location. The world without doubt, would be far better off with more people such as yourself. Thank you once again

[@AnnetteZang]

These grey jays are adorable

[@davecrupel2817]

And gorgeous! 😍

[@CatherineSTodd]

What a wonderful video showing these birds landing to eat out of Martin's hand. I had no idea any birds would do this! I "trained" some seagulls to do this one time at the beach; took about an hour and a half. But these birds seem to do this naturally! Would love to be up there one day and try this myself. Have seen a lot of videos of the Gray Jays doing this with other people, but this video is The Best. *Almost* as good as being there!

[@CatherineSTodd]

Very happy to read below that there are other wildlife "tolerant of a human's presence." I had no idea. They must not have ingrained fear built into their genetic DNA, since we don't eat them? What makes this difference between species?

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, I really enjoyed that finicky Gray Jay. It just liked to sit for a while and study me.

[@talk2kev]

What a magical place you have built , I have a few bird feeders here in the yard always enjoy the birds coming in.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, the birds really add to life up there.

[@temp24Lno5]

I also have been bitten or pecked a few times while feeding Gray Jays. They really let one know when they are not happy with what you've provided. Thanks for reminding me of those times. Joan

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Joan Ouellette One of my jays spends more time sitting on my hand than the others. It is like it is trying to figure me out.

[@temp24Lno5]

TheNorthwoodsman1 Well, I am sure the jay thinks you are a very special person, as I do. Joan

[@JustinGarfield1]

The olde scrub jay I used to hand feed would dive bomb me and peck me, then stand on anear branch to let me know I need to feed him.

[@harvdog5669]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 Hey Martin, I am going thru the videos again.. I am on #6 now, working my way down the list...

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It does take a while to build their trust. This is our second group of tame jays. Each year they chase off the young of the year before. I have been a few miles from the cabin and having a snack and had one of these show up for a handout. I put food a few feet away and they will hop down the branch and get it.

[@darci12u]

absolutely wonderful....so pretty...

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That Gray Jay is gone now and I sure miss his character.

[@darci12u]

Thank you,for replying. ...know you're busy ,but really nice to hear from y'all.

[@monapause8108]

I first fed gray jays that way when I was about 20, up in the mountains of northern CA. we went up to the mountains here in WA state and we took a friend from England up there with us and showed him how they'd take food right from your hand. he thought that was so cool. I haven't seen them around our house, but we have Steller's Jays and Scrub Jays. I'd never seen a scrub jay til last year. that was wild.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They give me so much enjoyment. This featured Jay left the cabin a few years later but would come to us a few miles to the west.

[@APRIL2862]

AWESOME! My brother had a book about how to train wild birds to take food from your hand.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have some new ones to train, the old pair must have died of old age. I miss that bold one.

[@babyjenks1784]

I love your video! I got to feed Gray Jay's on top of mount Jackson and mount Webster in the white mountains of New Hampshire. They are so sweet and friendly!

[@MrBass-nt5fw]

Amazing filming , thanks

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks for watching life around the cabin, the animals and the cabin make my job pretty easy.

[@markdemelo7643]

Ughhhh. .... my idea of a vacation & better yet life. People dream of money,cars,ect,ect,i dream of this. This would be my winning the lottery. I'm so freaking jealous sir what a paradise u have there.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I do appreciate how special the cabin is.

[@JamBear]

I could watch this all day!

[@ALayne08]

I really enjoyed your Martins cabin 1 video so much that I had to see more. I hope you keep making and posting them brcause I subscribed. They are very beautiful birds and fun to watch. You're an interesting guy, keep doing what you do and I'll keep enjoying watching. Thanks. Ann

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

The cabin is in northern Minnesota and in Spruce and Cedar. The Gray Jays are scarce in the hardwood and field areas.

[@diorme7510]

Bet they are happy when you are there!

[@rendellbartholomew2742]

Very cool video. Wish all birds were like this. Thumbs-up!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

He thought he was sneaking in behind my back but we caught him in the act.

[@jayjayjay365]

thumbs up for the ninja squirrel. Nice videos by the way. Very cool set up.

[@theswede1276]

Love all the wildlife

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

The tameness of the wildlife is the best part for me.

[@scottlowe5961]

That was awesome!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I never get tired of experiences like that. thanks

[@yveskc1]

Nothing like rewarding nature. Thanks for sharing

[@electrominded8372]

This is the best way of living

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Sure is!

[@CatherineSTodd]

I'm very happy I stumbled across your videos, as we're in the process of setting up to be "off-grid" on our small 'ten acres and a pond" in North Carolina, and at lovely Lake Atitlan Guatemala where I've been for the last ten years. I've waited all my life to do this and finally, now, I can. Thrilled to see so many others that have done this and taken the time to share their experience and knowledge with videos on KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@gregmeissner9960]

love these, gotta go see some soon

[@HeinzHoff]

wonderfull pictures you share with us

[@saxonwench1]

just stumbled across your videos and love them..greetings from southern England

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, happy to hear you found and enjoy them.

[@JustinGarfield1]

Wow they are beautiful. I hand feed scrubjays here in California. They look related.

[@Gizathecat2]

Scrub Jays and Gray Jays are part of the corvid family of birds that includes the crows and ravens.

[@falcosparverius100]

Justin Daniels where do you hand feed scrub jays

[@JustinGarfield1]

In pasadena. Sorry. Just now seeing your reply. You can look me up on fb by the same name: jg finch. I got videos of it up.

[@inspectormynx]

You have the best videos! Awesome :)

[@CanadianCanoeist]

Watch out for that red squirrel trying to get into the cabin! lol 2:04

[@joanaffleck4601]

Love them

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I do like those birds too, especially that bold and finicky one. Unfortunately it left the cabin last year and lived a mile away. I fed it there and it pecked my hand in displeasure of the granola. This year I never encountered it.

[@Wintertrekker]

Very nice! On my canoe trips or winter trips I can never get them to come in. I leave bread out at my campsite but they still won't come. I guess with a cabin they get to know you and the trust forms.

[@CindyOrangeNeely]

I love this!!! You have inspired me to see if I can get some of my feathered friends to eat out of my hand. Love your cabin and videos!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have heard that making a scarecrow from old clothes that is sitting near the feeder. Then you put the same clothes on and sit there.

[@CindyOrangeNeely]

TheNorthwoodsman1 Thank you! I'll definitely give that a try. Love the videos!

[@bendigr]

that squirrel is trying to get in the cabin!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yes,he does not get in but steals the show.

[@karenhance1435]

Wow! That's so cool..🙋🐦

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They sure add a lot to my visits. If we sprinkle bread all the way into the cabin they will come inside to get it.

[@bobshwd65]

Great video. True Canadian

[@patriciaburke6319]

b sherwild 5

[@gemmint77]

Pretty cool

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They do add a lot to my visits. The finicky jay is gone now and I hope to tame another with such character.

[@Salodanger75]

Oh my god, what a place you have there! 😍😍 And little friends! 😍

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Pretty amazing isn't it? So many great things around that cabin.

[@Salodanger75]

TheNorthwoodsman1 .. Oh yes. My soul would rest in a place like that. ❤

[@welshwizard822]

great vid

[@JustinGarfield1]

Every last bird with a jay at the end are bossy, assetive and smart.

[@lynnjohnson4925]

Wow I'd like to do that first I've seen gray jay. !! really cool!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It is a neat thing to have a wild bird come and land on you. I have had bird banders there that are used to handling net caught birds but having one coming to them is still exciting.

[@anye4009]

love it

[@michaelrice8236]

Nice video! Sixty years ago, when I was a boy at Camp Vermillion in northern Minnesota, I "trained" a chipmunk to take sunflower seeds out of my hand. Things went well for weeks until I tried to pick him up...and, of course, he bit me. He must not have had rabies as I'm still here. :)

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Oh, the animals are nice to have around. One day a Marten came by and peered into the lower glass on the cabin door. It then came over to the bench I was sitting on and that was cool but knew its next move was into my lap so I spoke and stopped the encounter while I was unscratched.

[@notarobot913]

That's pretty common among most birds in Canada if givin enough time _ However the Blue Jay, the Loon or Canada's goose should be Canada's national bird...A bird so beautiful that after you see one, you'll always remember that moment!

[@MavkaMavkaMavka]

awww so cute!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That they are.

[@alvindueck8227]

Haha, mamma never did like picky eaters neither. there was a squirrel in the back on your cabin in the first bit. I think it it figured that while you was busy attending the birds, it'd help itself to whatever you didn't have nailed down inside

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, I think the Red Squirrel deserves an award for supporting actor.

[@ekhaat]

Awesome

[@eds1994fatboy]

Fantastic video.Now if these birds could just point out to you where the buried bank robbery money is hidden

[@Convolutedtear]

sooo cool!!!

[@rodneylee4026]

Making me hungry for scrambled eggs.

[@jclar3565]

The dog food is the best

[@AmyJones-to8mh]

Mr. squirrel is jealous!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yes but he adds so much to life around the cabin.

[@splushieputt7823]

Feeds bird egg. Wonders why it doesn't want it. lol

[@yuyo57]

If you want to lower your blood pressure feeding birds is a good way to lower it.

[@Ja72corbin]

what about the Squirel It wants some!!

[@crankyoleman321]

Yeah I saw e squirrel too

[@georgettewood8894]

At 2:08 I saw a little squirrel go behind your door, do you have problems with them in the cabin?

[@alvindueck8227]

Georgette Wood I think it was bossoftheswamp that had his cabin burn down by squirrels or some critter like that

[@Brvnkaerv]

2:04 I saw that squirelly-boy first.

[@GlaneciaXCat]

that's so cool! They fly down and eat my chicken's food ... and they get close to me, but fly away

[@patriciaburke6319]

Glanecia's Daily Life )

[@JustinPritchard]

where are you located? loved this video. im in sudbury ontario, right in the city. i have bluejays frequently, would love to see these.

[@Whiteshell204]

I saved my Gray Jay family from a short-shinned hawk this weekend....not on my watch Mr Hawk...

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

For all the bird life around the cabin only once did a Goshawk come in for the grouse, oh and a Merlin after a Blackburnian Warbler one spring.

[@ncbv9]

I wish we had Grey Jays here in the East.

[@bobshwd65]

BirdWatcherBenny1989 where in the east do you live?

[@ncbv9]

b sherwild right now i live in SE WV but fixing to move soon to NC. We only have the pretty Blue Jays, Crows, and Ravens.

[@zuser]

2:04 Guest Star: The Squirrel in the back

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yes, the squirrel stole the show on that one. He was trying to find a way in while I was looking the other way.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Stealing the show as usual.

[@neilpk70]

I'll bet that many a beer was drunk, and many a cribbage game went on in that cabin, on a cold night.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

No evidence left of the card games but a mountain of beer cans near the door. The past owner when asked about their water source replied with a wink "Well we did not drink much water."

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

you got a jealous squerril there in the background

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Never know who is trying to steal the show.

[@johnford5568]

I just retired and am trying to decide if my getaways should be of the mobile variety such as an RV or like your situtation and focus on one place. A legacy left by a relative would help things.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

John, a big difference in an RV and the cabin. The big thing for me is the solitude and peace of the cabin.

[@MrXtream123]

2:10 there is a squirrel on the cabin

[@dawnmccarthy1]

tsk If they don't like the menu, they can cook at home. =P

[@jasonturner5672]

I was wondering what happens to the squirrel climbing across the cabin. At 2:19 it's poking it's head out from behind the door then suddenly the frame changes and gone!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

+jason turner The squirrels are always trying to find a way in. I have managed to keep them out by filling any hole with mortar or anything else they don't like to chew on. Sometimes they race around the walls and keep me entertained too.

[@slaznum1]

seems like dick proeneke always had birds flying to him as well

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

+slaznum1 Some of the north country wildlife is very tolerant of a human's presence. Pine Martens, Spruce Grouse and Great Gray Owls are a few of the others.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Have you fed any of these birds as you have been able to with the Gray Jays? How does a Great Gray Owl "tolerate a human's presence?" I can't imagine. Would love to see one really up close.

[@richbayers6008]

Maybe it's a little bit like cannabalism with eggs, eh?

[@toddbushcrafter2530]

i know i have heard you say something about purchasing the cabin and land for a ridiculous price back when you spoke with the owner. i am not trying to be nosy, but how much does similar property cost per acre in northern mn? the property is beautiful. some folks would think property like the one you have would be boring with nothing to do.....i beg to differ though. 200-300 years ago, settlers had plenty of things to do.....society has become fixed and dependent on technology. i would hate to see what these types of people would do if we had a major issue causing them to not be able to work for money and have to try to survive off the land. our settlers had no problem living off the land.....well, they had problems, but they made do with what they had and improved their living conditions through hard work. your videos to me are far from being boring. i enjoy nature more then anything else. take care and continuing enjoying your piece of heaven.....

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Prices have risen and now $500 to $2000 would be the cost per acre if you can find some.

[@AnnetteZang]

Is that one breeding pair coming to get food time and time again?

[@undeadpresident]

how long it take for them to trust you enough to eat from your hand?

[@martindale1042]

They are pretty well naturally tame, so even in the wilds they will come right up to you.

[@nycmaverick]

How are these Jays not 400 lbs

[@frizzlefrap]

your comical squirrel (what kind?) lives on your house or is he lookin' for handouts?

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

+frizzlefrap The Red Squirrel scours the yard for food and used to get inside the cabin until I blocked the hole with things it could not chew through. They add to the entertainment.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Are you living up there in your cabin full time or part time? What a great get-away or life style you have now.

[@denaredford6701]

You are the those gray jays best friends . 🙄

[@permaculturedandfree2448]

2:05 squirrel getting into the cabin?

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Well, he tried anyway. I have all the holes plugged but they do inspect it.

[@permaculturedandfree2448]

TheNorthwoodsman1 Hday Martin..sorry to bother you but my son Zac asked me to ask you about stories...Also he said he will make vids a bit like yours..He has enough timber for 3 cabins. Your mate Rex and Zac

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I will be at the cabin this fall (that is very soon for us up here) and try to do some tales of the northwoods.

[@permaculturedandfree2448]

TheNorthwoodsman1 Its spring here in Tasmania Australia. 11:02 pm Thursday 14 September

[@permaculturedandfree2448]

Thanks alot Martin...Do you have sons?

[@rubalbertsethi20]

No relation at all only food...

[@ilyskyj4068]

ANIMAL ABUSE

[@VAX1970]

Bread is not that good for birds, if you do feed bread to the birds, make sure that it is not moldy, as some bread molds are toxic to birds.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Their tidbits are usually leftover pancakes, still not the best but they only get a little. If I roast a chicken they really strip the carcass for me. If you want to get your hand pecked in protest just try feeding them some corn kernels.

[@Convolutedtear]

sooo cool!!!!

[@Convolutedtear]

sooo cool!!!