I looked out of the window in response to a lot of bird noise from the street. A juvenile jay was being attacked by a horde of magpies on the driveway opposite. No sign of any adult jays.
I have moved the jay, which has lost some feathers but does not seem badly injured, into a less exposed spot. I have no idea whether this was the right thing to do but strongly suspect that the magpies would have killed it otherwise.
The jay seems rather vulnerable to cats, even assuming that the magpies don't find it again. Is there anything that I should do or is it a case of letting nature take its course?
The short answer is nothing.
Nature can be and is harsh at times, apart from being a teritorial thing, it is natures way of keeping strong bloodlines.
There is a good chance the jay, juvenile or adult, has found a new and safe area rather than hang around to be picked on.
Finally, though rare because nature is generally very tidy, should you find a dead jay, or any other bird in your garden, then you need to contact DEFRA on the numbers below, it could be the bird has avian flu.
DEFRA Avian Flu Contact: 03459 33 55 77
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
sjmanc said:Thanks for confirming (and for the advice about avian flu).
You're welcome.
Sadly with avian flu, it is more rampant than the media is reporting, and spreading fast.
Enjoy your bird observations, nature, though it can be hard at times, is fascinating to sit and watch.