I have 3 different apple trees, planted 4 years ago, which seem to be cherished
by the local blue jays as much as my family. Unfortunately, they will peck quarter inch sized holes to the core within seconds, then later off to a different apple, so on and so on until there is not a single whole apple left. I have tried bird netting but they scoff and damage the fruit anyway. Any real way to keep the blue jays away?
Next year try getting loads of green and red Christmas ball ornaments and hanging them in your tree(s). That might give the jays time to form the conclusion that there is nothing of value in your trees. I would get them on there in June or so. Think that would help?
You could make cloth bags with a drawstring for each apple. Perhaps even brown paper bags, the small kind. One article I read said that jays are attracted to red colors.