Unique Blue Jay Behavior | Wasps!

Not a fan of Wasps?
Having Blue Jays around will take care of them for you.
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[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

If you liked the video the best way to support the channel is by SHARING it with other fellow birders. For anyone interested in official LesleytheBirdNerd merchandise www.lesleythebirdnerd.com/ I appreciate each and every one of your support and I hope you enjoyed the show!

[@lukeyadon4702]

Why's the bird call In the background at 45sec? The long whistle. Thanks

[@wolfiethedog76]

These birds are my hero's! I despise hornets and wasps....

[@robertw8906]

Could listen to her all day 😊

[@simonjones3863]

I've watched a Blue Jay repeatedly kick a nest as it flew by, then flew past, left and right, eating the wasps that came out. The Jay spent over half an hour doing this.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Wow. Crafty birds. Thanks for watching

[@RafaelRamirez-vk4vu]

He must've been hungry...

[@molmer2380]

Very cool for u to witness!!

[@rhunter42dragon]

That Blue Jay is officially my hero!

[@davewolf6256]

I happen to know that Dragonflies evolved spacial recognition skills while hunting prey--so they can hunt potentially faster prey in midair. And considering Lesley has made videos about spacial memory in jays, one has to think they and other insectivorous birds evolved similar cognitive skills that allow them to catch hornets. Ironically, scaring them out of their hive is probably the best and only way for a Jay to catch a hornet.

[@markrancatore9525]

You asked if anyone has ever seen Bluejays or any other birds attacking a wasp nest. I saw three crows picking apart a large wasp nest on the roof of a warehouse I worked at. It looked like they were enjoying it but they were making the oddest screeching sounds. Maybe it’s like eating hot peppers to them.

[@Mityob67]

Interesting. TFS

[@minxella12]

Maybe they were being stung but kept at it anyway!

[@markrancatore9525]

Rayson Racette It was actually a Yellow Jackets 🐝 nest I saw the crows attacking too.

[@dianecrumbley90]

Mark Rancatore and if you’ve ever been stung by a Yellowjacket you know how BAD it is. One of the worst pains out there I would say. 🐝

[@notthatdonald1385]

@@dianecrumbley90 Not knowing I disturbed a nest I got stung by 4 wasps at the same time, on the same hand, and man did it hurt!!

[@TheRoyalBum]

"These blue jays eat wasps" *ILL TAKE YOUR ENTIRE STOCK*

[@yes0r787]

Same here...2 years ago I was stung by a hornet while bringing groceries in the house and I nearly died on the way to the hospital. I was having seizures and EMS said if they got to me 5 minutes later it would have been too late. So strange, I never had a reaction like that before. This year I was stung by a bee and it was fine, just itchy.

[@sheilabilyeu5689]

We/you are all forgetting about what EVERY THING has a purpose and I will tell you about wasp, hornets. And other biting, STINGING BUGS; S P I D E R S ARE WASPS MAIN PRAY. ON years the wasp populations would drop, THERE WERE SPIDERS EVERYWHERE , I couldn't go out a door, open a gate, walk by a tree, without running INTO A 🕷️ 🕸️ SPIDER WEB.!

[@nowthatsjustducky]

@@sheilabilyeu5689 Just this past summer, I finally noticed that although the wasps around here are pretty numerous, they have been extremely docile, with more of a "You don't mess with us, we don't mess with you" nature, unlike hornets (which are more like, "You exist near us? You choose death!") In fact, during many porch sits, contemplating the sunflowers we grew last year and its fascinating bee biome, I was able to get fairly close in to wasps just hanging out on stalks and blossoms, probably waiting for aphids and other prey. They even seemed to get along with the other bees as well, honey, bumble, and those ground dwelling non wasp carnivore "hunter" bees, as I like to call them. Did see a wasp chase off a bumble though. And I lost a little respect for the little buggers when they failed to deal with the earwig problem.

[@BenFrankarts]

They are the gobblers of nightmares

[@Retireded03]

Another good reason to kill blue jays. Wasps and hornets catch flies and other bugs, I welcome them around my home. Blue jays also bully the other smaller birds, I kill every one I can. A small youth size 410 shotgun works well, It is a good way to teach kids and grandkids to hunt.

[@tavwatson]

I was sitting at my computer, which is situated next to a window with an outside awning. Some wasps were building a nest underneath the awning and one day, I noticed a Blue Jay swoop underneath, grab the best and fly away with it. I had never witnessed such a thing before and was totally awed and amazed by this behavior. That Blue Jay saved me from having to deal with the nest! This is why I'm such a huge bird lover. They entertain and help us in so many unimaginable ways and we owe it to them to protect and help THEM in return.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

When I worked in Yosemite, I used to have breakfast with a Steller's Jay. We could buy a meal ticket for the tourist cafeterias. I'd eat outside on the patio and the yellow jackets would swarm my bacon. I'd flick them away with my spoon and the yellow jacket would land dazed on the patio and start doing circles. A Steller's Jay would swoop out of the nearby pine tree and gobble up the dazed yellow jacket. I'd feed him 15 or 20 yellow jackets every morning. He was the star in all kinds of tourist pics lol

[@mentalpotato2297]

Lucky guy, being able to work at Yosemite. Hope to go there one day

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

​@@mentalpotato2297 You could probably get a job there. Think they used to hire fifteen hundred seasonal employees each summer. April was the best time to go and apply. The seasonal jobs end shortly after Labor Day, but keep an eye on the job board by your time clock for year-round positions, you might get lucky your first season.. You'll probably be cleaning rooms or washing dishes to start, but you'll have one of the world's best backyards One warning, it isn't for everybody. You'll have at least one roommate and live in a tent cabin, w/ plywood floor, canvas walls and roof. If yours is in the sun, it'll get hot fast in the morning. Most have a long walk to the bathhouse, where the toilets and showers are. There's also a cookhouse where you keep all your food. Keep food in your tent and a bear will rip up the tent and get it. That could get you fired. Don't be surprised if your tent has a couple of mice that go along with it. We named ours Fred and Barney. They're no problem. but some people freak over them. I always thought the primitive living conditions were part of the fun, but many others didn't share that opinion and quit because of it..

[@justjess6636]

Steller's Jays are so pretty

[@BenFrankarts]

We have a family of Steller’s Jays on our property and they love peanuts! After seeing this video, now I know why hornets are not an issue at our house 😂

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

@@BenFrankarts Mom had a pair of Steller's Jays that visited her house at Tahoe. She fed them peanuts and sunflower seeds. They'd get so many stashed away that they'd stay all winter. You'd never see them during the snow storms, but as soon as it cleared up, they were back for more peanuts and seeds lol

[@harpz902]

I have a soccer ball sized hornets nest in my back yard hanging about 25’ off the ground from a tree branch. Noticed a couple weeks ago it had been destroyed by something. The opening in the nest was ripped wide open and another hole ripped in the top of the nest. Figured it was probably a bird but not sure what kind. After seeing this I’ll assume it was Blue Jay’s as there is a few of them around my property !

[@fluffymims9772]

I had one, too- raccoons will devour them at night!

[@drygnfyre]

I agree with the other poster. It's more likely raccoons, I've got a lot of them around here and they will take on anything no matter the size.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

This video has made me appreciate Blue Jays even more.

[@erictrudel1164]

Really cool how they catch wasps in mid air :) Great wildlife video, with rarely seen behaviors.

[@briansims4365]

U have given us glimpses of bird behavior we don't get to see.

[@BigBrotherMateyka]

Amen to that.

[@JimsPal]

You took the words right out of my mouth! Amazing behavior...I had no idea!

[@Jack.333]

The Blues are aggressive. I would imagine the young ones taking chances and being uninhibited. I have never seen anything like this. Great Work Lesley.

[@finscreenname]

After a number of years the J's have been coming back to our area the last 5 years. They are loud when they want to be but very timid. We also have a couple Red-bellied woodpeckers and they are worse. The red winged black birds come in by the 100 and run them all off.

[@jennifermurphy5215]

That is funny regarding Jay's being considered aggressive. I have a group of 8 and they are the sweetest birds year after year. They are very protective of the baby mourning doves (every spring). They seem to be very concerned when other doves peck at the small ones. I have spent hours every day sitting on my balcony studying birds...it never fails, my blue jays are always so sweet and timid with the smallest birds. It is amazing how protective they are towards the other birds when the hawks come around, they are my backyard police. The internet has it wrong when they claim what bully's blue jay's are and it's not the case in my area. Love my blue jays!

[@lindachenoweth563]

I've seen the scrub jays knock the small starter nests out from under my eaves, and thanked them. Love the birds that do house maintenance, like the chickadees who get the spiders (:

[@DAD-qt8ng]

*"a good wasp is a wasp that never get out of its stinking hole..."* -Wasp Slayer

[@Andrew-xn4sc]

goblin slayer reference love to see it

[@enderoftime2530]

I found the otaku!!!!

[@karendiane5]

Blue jays are smart and crafty birds indeed! 🙂

[@daisycocoa2557]

The turkey’s that showed up in my neighborhood wiped out the lyme ticks

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Wow, is that really true? If so that's freaking awesome.

[@RandomButtonPusher]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd Turkeys and opossums are both great tick eaters.

[@hadrosaurus]

domestic guinea fowl also annihilate ticks

[@got2kittys]

Any ticks or fleas on a rodent, get digested by snakes when the mouse is swallowed. They don't survive the "journey".

[@cyyrious]

Turkeys or vulture

[@VenezuelaNow]

Years ago I witnessed this twice my young ducks destroying massive ground hives I"m talking huge nest underground, they would drill at it 40-50 ducks at once, with binoculars you could see the wasps all over their heads but it didn't slow them down eating everything, since witnessing this I"ve haven't had a ground nest on my property in years, the ducks seem to take care of the problem

[@jesslyn2284]

I live in St.Paul, Minnesota and noticed at the top of my house a small wasp nest, a Blue Jay was pecking at it and got a few wasps! Pretty cool, I was cheering him on! Go Blue! Good boy Blue! 😁💗

[@silverschooner5821]

I've never seen or heard of this, and I'm 63! Amazing! I've always loved Bluejays! Thanks for posting! 😮Wow

[@LDFHollister]

This is great! As an outdoor educator, I love sharing the ways Nature balances itself. Put down the wasp spray, and hold out a peanut!

[@CraneofBoulogne]

The ones in car are Yellowjackets. The ones with the big paper type nests are Bald Faced Hornets, which are really beneficial to all of us, their main diet is house flies. Bluejays are neat birds, i have never watched young ones feast on Yellowjackets before, and that was really neat to see. Good of you to record and post that.

[@stephaniequiroz1564]

Hornets and wasps may be beneficial but they are so territorial and entitled in my experience. I don’t bother many bugs in my space, indoors or out. (Huntsman spiders, pill bugs, most ants, cicadas. House centipedes are so very creepy but I know that they’re good bugs. I normally think to myself “Hurry up and hide. Be my pest control out of sight and you can stay here!”) Unless I think it’s gonna sting me. I try to evade or I’ll spray if I’m being threatened.

[@jamieclifton1997]

WOW, I didn't know they did that. Learned something new and will have to try and pay attention in the future. The last wasps are Yellow Jackets but the behavior of tearing apart hornet nests is amazing. I wonder how much having a good population of Jays in a area helps control those type of stinging insects ? Thanks for sharing ...

[@thomaslong8401]

Growing up in the piney woods of East Texas I didn’t like blue jays. They were noisy, destructive, and bothered the other birds. This video gives me pause to rethink what I think.

[@Mityob67]

@Richard Jones Lol

[@thomaslong8401]

Richard Jones I will think about what you said! Cogito ergo sum.

[@nightlightabcd]

They have been known to rob other birds nest of baby birds!

[@timeriderx]

@@nightlightabcd At least it seems jays are good for something! I hate wasps! So I guess we will have to make room for their other bad manners...

[@kerentolbert5448]

@Richard Jones How can anyone know that they overthought what they thought, so they can rethink what they thought they overthought?

[@firepuppies4086]

*Wasp nest is somewhere in the park* Mordecai: Came to the wrong house, fool!

[@kaloychrist]

Finally, something Regular to show

[@kirkchua19]

Wasp: Wrong neighborhood, Im out--

[@tenferts]

Brandon?

[@notflanders4967]

how did i just outright forget about this show?? Thank you

[@Ongomar]

Lmao

[@Abdega]

With everyone talking about “murder hornets” An unlikely hero appears

[@faceoctopus4571]

Those wasps weren't murder hornets tho. I was hoping the wasps getting killed in this video would be murder hornets, but sadly, no murder hornets were harmed in the making of this video.

[@Abdega]

@@faceoctopus4571 Regardless, I’m still rooting for the blue jays when they come across them

[@baddestburrito4718]

Considering the size of a murder hornet, I think you'd need blue jays the size of turkeys, to battle them.

[@peters8758]

Murder hornets can't survive long above 105°F. Makes you want to contribute to global warming.

[@baddestburrito4718]

@@peters8758 That's like 40 degrees C, though. I would rather take my chances with the hornets, than have to live in that kind of temperature.

[@cantonhag]

The amount of interesting behavior and close ups you are able to capture are almost as amazing as their 'secret lives'. Well done and thanks! Wish I could answer your question but I don't have them at my feeders (they aren't compatible with mockingbirds, guess). I've never seen my mockingbirds eat the yellow jackets and dirt daubers around the barns and I'M the one who takes down the wasp nests.

[@keithehredt753]

Absolutely love our blue jays. Every morning they always come to the pine tree outside my bedroom window and squawk for a whole peanut.i open the window and throw one peanut to each of them. They leave and come back later. JAZZY JAY is our favorite.

[@bushmantekbits1431]

yup... in Alberta, our Blue Jays love peanuts too !! Whole roasted & unsalted. Hide them everywhere... as do squirrels.

[@keithehredt753]

@@bushmantekbits1431 ours do the same

[@ThomasMartin-kj9hi]

Lesley-My cat Mona and I love your videos. Whenever I play one she comes running to the iPad at the sound of your voice. She watches intently and touches the screen with her paw. Please keep making your wonderful videos.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Omg that is adorable.

[@thespookysir4485]

I need that bird in my life :D

[@georgea.3000]

I see one in my backyard. Very nice looking birds.

[@nick3718]

they’re everywhere in SW PA

[@josemarrero7982]

Sometimes if you get the food they like I believe you can attract them. Good luck tho

[@shades541]

Raise one bro! Become the Disney princess the neighborhood block needs! You got this👊

[@retardedthomasthetank1059]

Same, he could get rid of the wasps at my front door

[@certifiedyaminspector-dadd6224]

*"One little guy flew off when a wasp came around. So I didn't bother and let it bee"* 🐝 I see what you did there

[@annesweeney5552]

We had a nice size active nest in a tree the whole blueJay family feasted till all gone . I sat watching for hours it was shocking to me

[@ldirk58601]

You are the Jacques Cousteau of blue Jays and birding, Lesley! I can't get over how much you see and film! So interesting and entertaining. Thank You!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Haha! Thanks for the nice compliment :)

[@Menejoda]

Thanks for the wonderful video! Blue Jays are so gorgeous - European Jays around my home country are beautiful as well, but the blue color is just wonderful. I was surprized how the young jays caught the flying wasps so casually

[@peternicholsonu6090]

I visited US from Australia Sept 2019. Folks couldn’t believe my excitement at seeing my first Blue Jay then my patience waiting to see my first humming bird!! And I come from a land with huge flocks of budgies cockatiels cockatoos both white and black....

[@CatarineausArmory]

2:38 That guy just snatched one out of thin air...

[@romagigou6952]

We noticed a small scraggly hornet nest under our window boxes. It looked like it had been torn apart. Because it was so high up (2nd story) we couldn't figure what would have destroyed it up there. Security video showed a blue jay doing the damage. We weren't sure why, so a google trip explained their taste for the larvae. Very interesting.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Pretty neat. Thanks for sharing!

[@gratefulpianist8640]

when I had a walk in the woods with my chicken, I found a small wasp nest on the ground, there were no wasps around and there were a considerable amount of larvae inside, I gave it to my chick, she just ate them all! I was surprised how she noticed that they are food...

[@randallbaker4293]

I loved it when one the wasps flew right at the juvenile's head and he/she snatched it right out of the air. . . Keep them coming!

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

I have never seen Jays around wasps, but maybe it's like a mongoose that will attack a cobra, who would think anything could live through a cobra bite? Blue Jays get such a bad wrap, it is wonderful to see all these things they do good for the world!!!!! Keep this info. coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@anthonyiodice]

It was super impressive when the fledgling plucked a wasp right out of the sky!

[@davidmaccallum5200]

That was fun ! We have a family of Blue Jays in our yard , over the summer they have become very brave and not only take the peanuts about the yard , but they also ventured into our gazebo, while we were there and took peanuts meant for our other guest (a Chipmunk 😁) , lots of great times . Cheers

[@sakuragirl5979]

I loved this video 🥰 I have been watching blue jays of all ages eating wasps & bees 🐝 in my gardens for the past 50 years. On a different note, I have a Maine Coon x Turkish Angora who lives entirely inside. In the fall, when I take my geraniums inside to overwinter, there are always a couple of wasps lurking deep within the plants. She immediately hunts them down & quickly devours everything except for the stinger, which she brings to me & lays nicely beside me, as a “love gift” 🥰🥰🥰 I really enjoy this great channel: it has the perfect mix of education & entertainment.

[@mark6302]

huh wow neat. I always thought they were just flying jerks. Now I know it's because they are full of angry wasps. I have new respect for them.

[@infaith721]

I have been noticing blue jays in my back yard more frequently. One caught my attention this morning as I stood at kitchen window. I was curious about these birds so I Googled them. Interesting facts. Thanks for sharing your video.💙💙💙

[@philn.4692]

If they're like us, their reflexes go down with age. Maybe when they're young they can snatch those wasps out of the air with more ease than when they're older.

[@kyzerrivera7730]

I don't know why, but this bird reminds me of a bird working at a park that slacks with a friend raccoon and works for a gumball machine.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

lol

[@saradave5827]

These fledgling blue jays are quite rowdy and interesting. They wake me up every morning by screaming and spend all day at my bird feeders. They also like to mess with the squirrels (which I love!!! those squirrels are so annoying and eat all of the seeds). They have started to make hawk noises in the morning to get my attention. It seems that they just do this for fun because they stop when I wake up and look outside, even if I do not feed them. They are so fascinating and rascally, but funny and lovable. I have never seen any blue jay interacting with wasp nests, that is so cool. You always have amazing blue jay stories.

[@finddeniro]

Squirrels will not eat safflower. .and good Luck. .

[@evillyn7895]

The Blue jays around my house do the hawk scream as well...they seem to enjoy watching our chickens run for cover (needlessly). That and their horrible version of a dawn chorus is enough to make me dislike the little buggers.

[@rexyoung6515]

Nice to see there are other nature lovers out there. I have always loved the Jay. Beautiful bird.

[@bedlamp9157]

Starlings, Sparrows, Chickadees, Black birds and Orioles are some other birds that eat wasps.

[@rhunter42dragon]

In that case, I love them all!

[@justinjones5281]

Seagulls too.

[@kennethkustren3966]

I hATe starlings. They should be annihilated from North America... with the same hatred as I have for Chinese Elm.

[@sheilabilyeu5689]

And these birds are how BIG? More than one hornet, I doubt they even try., Maybe that's why I don't see any birds like I did a couple of years ago, the Giant wasps may have eliminated their WORST ENEMIES. Well, as with the bettles & racoons, maybe SOME WILD CREATURE, OR DISEASE, will prove to be the hero of this story, you wait and watch, this is NOT THEIR NATIVE HABITAT. Maybe bears or badgers, foxes or coyotes will be able to handle the situation, develope a taste for them, then we can have peace again. It will be either small, like a parasite, or big,,,, like , maybe us? Anyone tried deep frying any?

[@boxsterman77]

With all those wasps predators, why do I see so many? Rhetorical question.

[@andrefecteau]

I live in Clearwater FL, have a hedge in my front yard...the Blue Jays love living in it...I notice when it rains the Jays really get active and vocal...seem to dig the rain? I call em "my blue angels"

[@thecube5810]

Killer wasps have invaded the world Blue jays: E1M1 starts paying

[@the_infinexos]

"They are relentless, without mercy... but you, *you will be worse...* "

[@1ztype343]

*Cue Harbringer*

[@anthonydesroches8897]

I was thinking Sabaton 40:1 song

[@avenqer]

Blue Jays eats wasps nests: *Buys 80 lbs of Black Oil Sunflower seeds*

[@hunterwilliams2833]

Thank you, this has changed my mind about blue jays and their tendencies to be bullies.

[@jeanweichman2711]

this makes so much sense now❤ I have about five Blue Jays that are coming around so I started putting nuts outside and I see them fighting over them and I put a lot out😂 but I always had a problem with carpenter bees but thanks to those blue jays I have no more carpenter bees😊❤

[@fluffymims9772]

Borer bees bore beeholes but BlueJays beat the bees! 🤪

[@Malryth]

My guess would be clever jays finding some easy food. The threat level wasn't like an open nest in a tree. Thank you for this short and interesting video. :) Take care.

[@SarahSunflower25]

Oh man. I wish my jay’s would come take out the bald faced hornets in my yard. Btw- you bluejay videos are my favorite. Thanks for sharing your birds with us. 🐦

[@sp1nd0ct0r]

I hope they do, too! I've been told that using waterguns/supersoakers w/soapy water works, too. (But please don't take my word for it.)

[@Siquomb1]

@@sp1nd0ct0r I used a spray bottle on the "jet" setting with water & blue DAWN dishwashing liquid. I sprayed late in the day. Many were outside the nest. These are the small open pod-looking nest. I soaked it and the wasps and walked away fast. I'm probably fortunate I haven't got stung. I've seen no signs of wasps for weeks. Need to knock it down & throw it out so they don't move in again.

[@lynnstillwell2]

I've not seen that behavior, but every few years we have had to deal with bald -faced hornets in those same type nests. I wish our birds had taken them out so we didn't have to!

[@Siquomb1]

@Jerry Smith A man selling his services as exterminator told me they could eventually, if I didn't knock it down. I'd rather believe you. Altho, I should knock it down because I have to always check it for wasps when I'm near it (paranoia 😏) It's above the kitchen window in a corner.

[@deydraniadiancecht8298]

This is amazing! I didn't know Jays did this- but then I've never seen a wasp nest and a Jay in the same spot. Thanks for posting this!

[@JoeHTX]

Blue Jays have always been some of my favorite birds, but I never knew they went after wasps like that! Awesome!

[@jamesemerson9557]

Orioles and dragonflies too.. Most amphibians toads frogs salamanders geckos. Thank god for them.

[@anthonybowers6024]

I've never witnessed any birds eating wasps. However; now learning this, Blue Jays have just gone up another notch in my book! Their eye to beak acuity is like that of a sniper. Not sure if Any Jays would risk raiding a fully mature wasp nest but I did see a KZbin video of a hawk or eagle of some sort doing just that. And while the birds did clearly take some stings... they were seeming unaffected by it.

[@bagookster]

I thought I knew a lot about birds until I started watching your channel. You have such great footage and find out such interesting things!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thanks so much

[@vipahman]

My roof eaves have become a wasps paradise and I always see lots of Blue Jays around. I've never observed them eating wasps specifically but now I know why they hang out here. With a complete roof replacement in progress, I'm now afraid I've lost these Blue Jays to other homes.

[@martinmcneal2778]

Oh that is perfect! This is my favourite bird now. Seriously any bird that goes after those worthless stinging b*stards is amazing!

[@nroger01]

2:35 omg look at how perfectly they both track a wasp that comes into sight. only noticed this with vid slowed all the way down. they are machines.

[@teecarter4900]

Thank you. I have witnessed a B Jay feeding on wasp or Hornets that were nesting high in a barn's peak. It was to far to know which insect it was. But the Jay was just jumping up from a ledge grabbing them one by one. I have not viewed them the same sense. Great observations. Keep up the fine work.

[@ABirdersParadise]

Blue Jays are beautiful birds and their behavior is absolutely fascinating!

[@Tobiasthepious_134]

You had me at “Wasp Slayer”

[@evilgibson]

Do or did you notice the blue jays de-stinging the wasps before eating like bee eater birds? The wasp stinger doesn't dislodge easily like a normal bee but I can see breaking off the stinger or cutting off the end of the abdomen would be a lot easier to eat. I say this because I think I saw in your footage of a blue jay eating a queen the end of the abdomen cut but couldn't tell if this was on purpose or just an accident because the other jay footage didn't show the abdomen being cut.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

I think you are right, the blue jay did seem to de-sting the queen before eating it. Makes sense and definitley a good idea

[@kroakie4]

Watch to see if they rub the wasp against a branch or other hard surface before they eat it. This is indicative of them removing the stinger. Or they may just give the end of the abdomen a firm pinch before they eat it.

[@umpato6029]

2:38 the blue on the left dancing with it's neck before picking up the wasp. So cool

[@macswanton9622]

he caught one in mid-flight right then

[@ilgiallo0]

Well got interested in birds after I found myself doing the Dad of a magpie during the corona virus quarantine here in Italy , I never imagined they could get so much intelligent and lovable , after 4 weeks he become adult and I free him , breaking my heart whyle doing that , but sometimes I go see him and he come with his wife to have a chat (and to eat cat food XD)

[@yes0r787]

Good quarantine story.

[@stephaniequiroz1564]

So lovely you helped that magpie out. Maybe soon his kids will start hanging out.

[@2009raindrop]

This was fascinating - so cool you caught it on video and shared it. They are such smart birds - I have never had a chance to witness this behavior before. So great to watch them snatch the insects in midair!

[@SW13333]

Hi Lesley - I think they were typical juveniles getting to know what's safe to eat or not and of course very nosy and smart. Curious if any stingers accompanied what they ate? 😖 I once saw a Blue Jay fly away with a small wasp cone. The giant nest on the tree - omg! Thanks Lesley 👍 - Stephanie

[@leociresi4292]

Yellow jackets:” exist and sting Blue jay:” I’m going to end this insect’s whole career!”

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

I wonder too about the stingers, ouch. Hope they got rid of it first before eating.

[@kathyt555]

LesleytheBirdNerd I raised a baby bluejay that had fallen out its nest many years ago. When I released him, I saw him sit on top of the cage and catch a yellow jacket. He held it in his beak for a moment, then swallowed it whole. He did not try to remove the stinger first. It did not seem to hurt him at all. They may be immune to the venom; but that is just a guess. I know parrots like hot peppers, and are not bothered by the heat. I read that in Bird Talk magazine. Maybe that immunity extends to wasp venom. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SW13333]

@@kathyt555 - So true - parrots either like or maybe not bother by hot peppers. I worry about a stinger getting stuck in their stomach or intestines. Knew someone who accidentally swallowed a less than 1/16 of a BBQ cleaner straight bristle - just one part of the bristle - looks like a stinger. Within a few days they kept having stomach pain - had to have surgery and that's what they found as the cause of pain. The bristle accidentally made it into a hamburger from the grill. I think Blue Jays manage to flick off the stinger before eating. Stephanie

[@longnamenocansayy]

@@kathyt555 hot peppers work with saliva. parrots have no saliva so all they get is an interesting ting no matter how hot the pepper is.

[@gulshanchaurasia2233]

there's few paper wasp nests at my home, and when it gets dark, I see house lizards(gecko) eating wasps directly from their nest!! I wonder if they get stung, but most of the time they make no movement, they just grab wasp closer to them!!

[@ronaldlogan3525]

I once saw a Blue Jay who was watching a squirrel open a peanut with a tool. It was at a camp site where someone had left a bunch of in the shell peanuts on the ground. The bird watches the squirrel open the nut and then when the squirrel is gone, the Blue Jay gets a peanut and uses the same method to open the peanut. So as a non-expert, it appeared to me that the Blue Jay was watching and learning from the squirrel.

[@gatorgityergranny]

another lovely respite with Lesley and the birds. this was positively fascinating. thanks LTBN.

[@sterlingholobyte]

I've always loved Blue Jays ever since I was a little kid. Now that I am older and allergic to wasp stings, I appreciate them even more. For songbirds, they are fearless little guys.

[@paulbramucci7586]

I have witnessed the blue jay warning ever since you stated that. Now I'm noticing they're imitating a hawk or bird of prey,very convincing

[@Y4WN]

3:55 I think it’s both! I think it’s curiosity that drives them at a young age and when they’re old it’s just pure experience

[@frankem4837]

*Killer hornets arrived* Blue jays: excellent

[@DigitalDuelist]

Among my favorite birds for sure. I've had their little cousin Scrub Jays protect my camp from bees and other pests if I put out water for them. Edit: As of today even mice! I went to check my oil and a deer mouse jumped out of my engine bay, apparently had been nesting there. It got about 10 feet before a Jay pecked it in the head and flew away with it!

[@danlewis1871]

These smart birds know exactly what they are doing. You have taught me something today Lesley thank you 😊

[@jessicagriffith]

Who’s a good bird? Who’s a good bird? You are!!

[@leahcimolrac1477]

Blue Jays one of the most adaptable that’s why I love them

[@ngg4399]

Great footage! I think those might be hornets rather than wasps, though. When I was a kid, we had huge beach ball sized Bald Faced Hornet nests everywhere. The Blue Jays didn't mess with them but the Stellers Jays ripped them to shreds. *edit a word

[@chir0pter]

look like yellowjackets

[@marinrealestatephotography]

@@chir0pter Yellow jackets live underground though (at least I am pretty sure they do). I think that wasps include hornets and bees.

[@stephaniequiroz1564]

Uhg. At least the Stellers helped you guys out. I got attacked by bald faced hornets a few years ago while working. One was even stuck in my leg! (Her stinger must be barbed? Still haven’t looked up to see if this is so...) Any bird who eats wasps and ticks in a friend to me. Hell yeah.

[@danbev8542]

Thank you, Lesley for the very interesting observations. I’m so amazed at the quality of your videos! Native species of all kinds (wasps, blue jays, ants, wolves) play important roles in the ecosystem!

[@ray29ish]

Just came across your channel. I love it. Happy it popped up. Great job, keep up the great work, and i look forward to more of your videos

[@rouxchat6033]

Nature is indeed amazing. Thank you for posting this about one of my most loved birds.

[@HotdogJuice]

2:37 The wasp literally flew into the Blue Jay's (on the right) mouth.

[@pauldavis5665]

It accepted its fate. lol

[@firepuppies4086]

It thought the Blue Jay wouldn't have the balls to do it

[@themashedavenger5461]

you gotta give the bird some credit for that catch, cmon that was pretty good. i feel like it was going to attack him.

[@raist315]

I could save about $1500 if the blue jays would take the nest out.

[@daisycocoa2557]

Raphael ..just spay nest with a garden hose or pressure washer and a save the cash.

[@jaimimumbai]

Or can I put a sign board saying wasps not allowed.

[@goingtothefifty]

@@jaimimumbai thats funny right there!

[@jameshar9592]

I grew up in Cupertino CA. A family of blue Jays lived on our property. My dad was from Arkansas and said they are great protectors. We never saw any wasps. Our poor next door neighbor had a miniature Schnauzer. The birds were harassing the dog all the time. When I played with JJ no birds ever came around. Your video is like good memories. I would sit out in the back yard and sometimes they would keep an eye on me. Some even landed near me after many years. They are beautiful birds. My dad loved them. kept other bugs away.

[@suesorensen2440]

Adorable, quirky birds, the Blue Jay! Thanks for sharing the Badgerland Birding link.. on Wisconsin !!

[@thecheese4255]

Cool birds I’ll be sure to remove any wasp nests I’ve sprayed Don’t wanna endanger the local blue jays

[@mmoser9483]

Best I hgave found for taking out wasp nests would be soapy water and spray bottle.. that attaches to a hose. you can wipe them out so easily.

[@duanehorton4680]

I knew you were Canadian the moment I heard you say the word "about."

[@samshambles391]

A slipper? A flip-flop? A moccasin? A stiletto? No. A boot.

[@patbrennan6572]

She Must be from the Ottawa Valley, love the accent.

[@vintagethrifter2114]

Her pronunciation of "out" also gives her away. It's ironic in a way since birds also have accents.

[@cjhodgson3000]

@@patbrennan6572 Nope, she is a Newfy

[@cjhodgson3000]

She isn't Canadian, she is a Newfy,, OK She is Canadian too. Side fact: when I was in Junior High in St. John's in the mid 60's, at an assembly, our principal asked all Canadians to put up their hands. Initially it was people from the mainland that responded. The rest thought of themselves as Newfoundlanders first and Canadians second. I've been away too long to know if this is still true.

[@padalan2504]

*And they called him the wasp slayer!* I think they could hang around the nest and pick off the flying wasps, eventually reducing the nest to a smaller size, so they could get in safely. Of course they would fly away when the wasps get agitated, coming back later, perhaps.

[@jacobtietje9723]

153 people woke up to this video by accident, and in a bad mood lol. Who could dislike this? Seriously. Beautiful video!

[@juans6639]

Scientists agree that if it wasn't for the birds, our planet would be overrun by insects within two weeks.

[@CloudsGirl7]

Makes me all the more happy that I've seen five different jays where I live - we NEED wasp control.

[@j.pocket]

I have no idea how this popped into my suggested videos, but I am thrilled that it did. Thank you for sharing this insightful information. I wish you great success with your channel and your birds. Cheers!

[@WanderingSoleTV]

It's incredible that something new gets seen everyday... as long as you get out! Tomorrow I will be going out on a rainy day hike... what awaits me? haha Nice video Lesley!

[@PuppyLuvU2]

Wasp slayer: The only good wasp is a wasp that never leaves its nest. Goblin slayer: 👍

[@kateajurors8640]

Actually they are very helpful against horse flies. We promote wasp nest in my area because they keep other insect pest away and leave you alone if you leave them be

[@PuppyLuvU2]

@@kateajurors8640 That's the kind of thing a G̶o̶b̶l̶i̶n̶ wasp would say!

[@russelder9743]

Lesley---very interesting fact on the Wasp eaters....think it is so cool of you helping the new channel ....looks good I just subbed

[@PigeonsPie1]

Several years ago, I worked at a business in a small country town in Conn. One morning I came to work only to find a wasp nest built up in the corner of our front window right next to the door & key lock. One morning, soon after, I heard bumping at the window and saw my 'Hero'. A Blue Jay was tearing this nascent structure apart and eating the occupants! I never knew this about Jays... but gosh was I thankful!