16 AUGUST 1940, Page 14

Tamer Birds That wild and cunning bird, the jay, seems

to have altered its wonted habits since the war. Usually it is fond of gardens only when the green peas are ripening. Its passion for this vegetable is overmastering. This summer families of jays have surpassed even the garden robins in boldness or friendliness. The kitchen of one of my neighbours is daily invaded by three jays who clamour for food, and I am afraid, get it. In another garden several young jays are seen daily on the bird table set close to the windows of the house. The parents retain the old- fashioned shyness and clamour angrily from a tree, entirely without effect. The youth movement has passed quite beyond their control. Is this new boldness due to the reduction of keepers?