Jays hit by acorn crop shortage

A poor acorn crop this year could be pushing jays into gardens in search of food, experts have said.

Jays, the most colourful member of the crow family, have been more visible than normal around the UK as they widen their search for food in the face of a poor autumn for acorns, the RSPB said.

Jays from Scandinavia and other parts of Europe could also be arriving in the country to join the UK population of the shy woodland bird, indicating that food sources may be scarce elsewhere, the wildlife charity said.

RSPB wildlife adviser Ben Andrew said: "With a blush pink body and flash of blue on the wings, jays are really attractive birds and it's hard to believe they are close relatives of crows, ravens, rooks and jackdaws, which are all black.

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