Great story! Enjoyed very much!
I tried peanuts for jays for the first time last winter. The jays stayed in the woods but a lot of other birds loved them. I used a feeder called a peanut silo, shaped like a thistle feeder but with wire mesh.
I will try putting individual peanut pieces on the deck railing and see what happens.
Friend of mine recommended peanuts for jays but I only saw 2 all winter. They were shy about leaving the woods behind the house.
Tried having the feeder close to woods and then bring it near the deck but ran out of patience.
I moved here last summer. I am amazed at the number and variety of birds here. Never lived with woods so close before. Spring has brought out so many birds I rarely saw at my previous rural home. Scarlet Tananger at my hummingbird feeder the other day was awesome. Baltimore Oriole liked that feeder too. Then saw 2 Indigo Buntings while walking the dog last week. Getting used to seeing Eagles almost every week. Very awesome every time I see one.
I hear ya-I understand why people enjoy birding...they are beautiful, interesting, and are one of the few wild creatures you can observe and interact with...most other creatures leave immediately when they see you!
I used to dislike Blue Jays, but what you observe them, their behavior can be a bit goofy and charming...their Blue Jay brains are always grinding away...:)