Indecisive blue jay struggles to choose peanut, then brings it back

Bird feeders are a source of relaxation and entertainment for the bird enthusiasts. The colorful assortment of winged creatures that frequent these feeders are a beautiful sight. Occasionally, the birds also display some unique or funny behaviors. This particular blue jay has a very difficult time choosing just the right peanut. He flies in and picks up one after another, discarding each as if there is a defect that only he can detect. He finally gets one that is to his liking and he flies off with it in his beak. He returns almost immediately, as if to make a return on his purchase. He throws the peanut back in the pile and begins the process of selecting another, and another. Again, he goes through the same process of picking one up and throwing it down before selecting another. Eventually, the jay finds the right peanut and makes off with it for good.

The other jays watch, patiently waiting their turn, like the person at the office vending machine who waits for an indecisive coworker to select a snack as if the decision needs to be made with precision.

Blue jays have been known to hide nuts to consume them later. For this reason, the jay may be trying to select a peanut with an undamaged shell. It is possibly trying to find a nut which will be resistant to rain or insects.

Blue jays are slow flyers and they are easy prey for hawks and other birds of prey when they fly in the open. They prefer to stay among the trees and fly short distances in order to remain concealed and more protected.

Blue jays are beneficial to other birds because they are noisy and will sound an alarm call whenever they see a predator. Other birds recognize the piercing shrieks of distress and will stay hidden when the jay sounds a warning.