Garrulus glandarius
About
The Eurasian Jay is sometimes just called a Jay because it is the only jay in most parts of Europe. There are 33 recognized subspecies living from Morroco to Japan and from Norway down to Vietnam. The one we get in Germany is the nominate subspecies, simply called Garrulus glandarius. The rather large birds are not just very colorful and nice to look at but also make rather nightmare inducing noises that range from a cawing, very similar to some parrots, to a loud hiss that could also be taken for that of a cat's. They can sing, tweet and roll their voice and are rather well versed in imitating other animals in such a way that they actually get responses. Listen to some Jays.
The easiest way to find a Jay in my region is to go to any cemetery that has a bird and squirrel feeder for people to offer up nuts. Eurasian Jays love walnuts and other bigger tree nuts and will gladly show up again and again if they suspect you have nuts for them. Other than that they are one of the few native species who actually like to perch in conifers so your best bet will be a mixed forest that offers nuts and other tree fruits but also the shade and safety of large conifers such as firs.
