Jays - rise in numbers?

[75]

We used to see the odd jay around here but not that many (likewise magpies). This winter there are dozens of the things!! Is it a local thing or has anyone else noticed more this year? Still low on magpies thankfully.

 

[Klenchblaize]

We used to see the odd jay around here but not that many (likewise magpies). This winter there are dozens of the things!! Is it a local thing or has anyone else noticed more this year? Still low on magpies thankfully.

In my neck of the woods you're more likely to see a Waxwing. Sometimes mistaken for jays when irruptions of this charming bird occur.

K

 

[old keeper]

Generally, the odd one appears, but not common around here.

 

[malmick]

I've seen an increase in the number of Jays over the past 10 years or so in West Yorkshire.

 

[Smellydog]

Same for me. An increase in population.

 

[HallyButt]

Huge increase here since the shoot folded over Covid,

 

[johndeere]

Our population has increased compared to previous years.
Jackdaws are everywhere now, and all the rooks have disappeared.

 

[Dillon]

Big increase this year.

 

[Nickb]

There's a few about , even shot one when goose shooting

 

[bullet chucker]

Any amount of Magpies, only a couple of jays.

BC.

 

[Dazb1967]

Big increase in our area over the last 2yrs

 

[unimog72]

a lot of jay are only over wintering here most will go back to northan europe come the spring

 

[terrier1]

Definitely a lot more Jay's and raven's about.
Where I live never seen a raven until last year and this year seen five together so definitely on the increase usually hear them before you see them.

 

[Trickyd66]

I'm in the south west and Jay are like rocking horse poo wearing hens teeth.. more jackdaws and.magpies than you could shake a hairy stick at.

 

[TringSaint]

Been living at my current place for 5 years and no jays until about 2 months ago and now I have 2 which regularly visit the garden.

 

[BenBhoy]

Last year was first year i didn't do any Larsen traps & seeing tons of magpies this winter. We seem to have a lot of jay's, always have had, no more or less this year.

 

[Rogerp]

Definitely a increase here as well (Herts/cambs border)

 

[shbangsteve]

I'm in the south west and Jay are like rocking horse poo wearing hens teeth.. more jackdaws and.magpies than you could shake a hairy stick at.

I'm in the south west, loads here this year. Never seen any before.

 

[Trickyd66]

I'm in the south west, loads here this year. Never seen any before.

I can count the number of Jay's I have seen in my area of Somerset over the last 20 years on 1 hand. Used to see a few in Hampshire as a youngster, but in no great numbers.

 

[Rake Aboot]

Hear a few but hardly see any
Not a bird I’d shoot , that’s for sure.