These striking members of the crow family, with their pinkish-buff plumage, black-and-white wing flashes, and dazzling blue wing patches, may seem like ordinary woodland birds at first glance - but their seasonal habits reveal a remarkable intelligence.

Across the county, from the forests of the New Forest to the leafy woodlands of the Isle of Wight, jays are busy collecting acorns in an extraordinary act of foresight. They will swoop down, grab as many as their beaks can hold, and cache them in scattered hiding places, from beneath leaf litter to nooks in tree bark. Remarkably, a single jay can store thousands of acorns each autumn, some of which it will retrieve months later when food is scarce. Even more fascinating, the birds display impressive spatial memory, often remembering hundreds of hiding spots over considerable distances.

These secret stashes are not only vital for the jays’ survival - they also play a crucial role in woodland regeneration. Many of the acorns that are forgotten eventually germinate, giving rise to new oak saplings. In this way, jays act as unsung gardeners of Hampshire’s woodlands, helping to ensure the forests remain healthy and resilient for years to come.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust actively works to protect and restore these essential habitats. By safeguarding native woodlands and managing hedgerows and glades, the Trust creates thriving environments for jays and countless other species. Thhis work ensures that Hampshire’s forests continue to flourish, providing food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for wildlife while helping local communities connect with nature.

Autumn is the perfect time to watch these fascinating birds at work. Keep an eye out for their distinctive calls - sharp “screech” notes that betray their presence among the trees - and their busy, darting movements as they ferry acorns to their hidden caches. 

The jays’ tireless winter preparations serve as a reminder of the remarkable ways wildlife adapts to the changing seasons - and the quiet, vital role each species plays in our local landscapes.