The Outdoor Campus Resident Blue Jay. In October of 1997, The Outdoor Campus acquired a Blue jay named Flopper. Flopper was donated in hopes that he could be used to teach people. We feel we can teach people about blue jays, imprinting, habitat loss, animal intelligence and many other jay related topics with a little inspiration from this charming bird. Flopper was found on the ground after a storm in the spring of 1996.
Blue jays are altrical, which means they hatch naked and helpless.
Flopper was a fairly new hatchling when he was taken to a local veterinarian, thus requiring a tremendous amount of care. The people at the pet hospital raised Flopper intending to release him as soon as he could care for himself. Unfortunately Flopper didn't want to be released. Some young birds learn to recognize their parents or foster parents within a few hours of hatching. The impression is so strong that it lasts throughout the bird's life.