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it migrations to the fur countries, where the majority spend the 

 breeding season ; though in diminished numbers we find its 

 during summer distributed throughout our woods. Its favorite food 

 is grain and fruit ; it also eats insects of various kinds, and in au- 

 tumn, the produce of the oak and chestnut trees constitute its chief 

 support. 



The notes of the Blue Jay are various — at intervals mimicking 

 the cry of the Hawk, or the dull coarse voice of the crow, and at 

 times introducing low and somewhat musical notes, in imitation of 

 some of our celebrated songsters. It is quite watchful, and con- 

 siderable address is required to approach it. When its safety de- 

 pends on retreat, it utters a harsh scream, and retires to a distant 

 tree ; it usually alights on the middle branches, and perches from 

 limb to limb until it arrives at the top, in which situation its bright 

 plumage renders it conspicuous. In winter, when the ground is 

 covered with snow, it becomes more familiar, visits the out-buildings 

 — and when opportunity offers, enters the barn, and feeds on the 

 threshed grain — and with boldness incited by hunger, draws near 

 the farmer's dwelling, for which piece of temerity it often forfeits its 

 life ; and when food is thus difficult to be obtained, it will, like the 

 Crow, rather than suffer with hunger, feed on carrion. The nest 

 of the Blue Jay is formed of twigs and other coarse materials, lined 

 with fibrous roots ; it is usually placed on the upper part of a tree 

 — it is found in the pines, oaks, and sometimes in the retired part 

 of an orchard. The eggs, which are from four to five, are dull 

 olive, spotted with brown. During the season of incubation, the 

 male, on his visits to the nest, observes strict silence, but at all other 

 times is noted for his noisy and frequent outcry. 



