They can be quarrelsome and raucous, are known for stashing acorns as winter fodder, and have colourful plumage that might more usually be found on a tropical bird. The Jay’s scientific name (Garrulus glandarius) is so appropriate: the words are both Latin, Garrulus meaning babbling, noisy, chattering, and glandarius meaning ‘of acorns’.

Jays have been plentiful this year in my local woodlands, which is wonderful. I’ve managed to get reasonable photos a few times, and have blogged about them twice, Two Jays on 20 April and, on 12 October, A Jay and its acorn.