Eastern blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are not always a favorite among birders to come to the backyard feeder. They can often be aggressive towards the smaller birds and are sometimes very territorial. They are, in my opinion at least, really attractive birds and they are quite intelligent. Even if they weren’t, they would be welcome at my feeding station since pretty much everyone is. I put out a number of items and in several areas, so generally there is enough for everyone and a spot where anyone can feel safe. The grey squirrels are even welcome. The blue jay who has started coming to my feeding station is, so far at least, one of most passive birds on the place. He is always very cautious and ready to fly off at a moments notice. He has never even attempted to run off another bird, and he’s actually terrified of Poppa cardinal, who is fairly aggressive and territorial. I don’t know if this is a young bird (I don’t even know for sure what sex the bird is) or one who just happens to be shy, but I rather like that he gets along okay with the others. I also find it quite comical that he’s afraid of Poppa, but Poppa is always very pleased with himself after running off this much bigger bird.