Can lovebird survive on its own in Fremont?

DEAR JOAN >> I saw a bird that seemed to be acting very protective. I thought perhaps I was too close to its nest. Then I saw a lovebird.

It seemed friendly and followed me. Can the lovebird thrive in the Mission San Jose Fremont area? — May, Fremont DEAR MAY >> It’s doubtful the bird can make it on its own.

While we do have some wild parrots in the Bay Area, they’ve learned how to fend for themselves and survive by living in flocks. I’m going out on a not-very-long limb and guess that your friendly lovebird is someone’s pet, raised in captivity and completely unable to manage on its own.

Lovebirds are social birds, and are monogamous when they mate. They get their name because the mated pairs spend a good portion of their time sitting together in what can only be described as a loving, oldfashioned canoodling way.

Alone in the great outdoors, this lovebird doesn’t have a good chance of survival.

If you can coax it in close to you and capture it, I’ll put out the alert for anyone missing a lovebird to contact me. Here’s hoping the bird has already made its way home again.

DEAR JOAN >> I have had a family of scrub-jays in our tree for at least 5 years. I have faithfully put out peanuts for them. I have seen and heard their babies every year, and have watched them use my birdbath.

My problem and worry is I have not seen them for at least 3 or 4 months, and the peanuts are never eaten. The only other birds I have are a lot of hummingbirds and I did see a couple of Northern mockingbirds a few months ago.

Do you have any idea what might have happened to them? I certainly miss them. — Tina Truax, Pleasanton DEAR TINA >> There’s no simple answer.

First, take a look at any changes to your yard and the neighborhood. Has there been a lot of construction in the area? Did you or your neighbors prune or cut down any shrubs or trees? Has a cat moved into the neighborhood? Both major and subtle changes can make a difference.

Next, look at ways to attract the scrub-jays back to your yard.

Reducing the use of insecticides and pesticides can help. In trying to protect plants from insect damage, we can unintentionally close the buffet, so to speak. Scrub-jays eat a variety of foods including insects, reptiles and small mammals (rodents).

The birds like peanuts, but their favorite food by far is acorns. Looking long-term, you can plant an oak tree in your yard. The birds will enjoy the acorns and also the insects that are attracted to oaks.

In the short term, pick up fallen acorns where you find them and leave them in the feeder instead of the peanuts. You also might put out a small log for the birds to use to help in cracking the acorns.

You might also throw away the peanuts — they could be stale after so many months — and start with fresh ones. Consider getting them already shelled.

To attract other birds, put out a variety of seeds and nuts, and keep the birdbath clean and filled.