Careful planning -- the balancing of future and present needs -- is a task that requires intelligence, foresight and self-control.

If these qualities sometime seem scarce among humans, you might be surprised to find them in abundance among certain avian citizens of the Eurozone.

Jays are already famous for their abilities at hiding food -- and sometimes relocating their stashes if they think they were spotted. Some dismiss this as instinct -- an innate robot-like ability hard-wired into their brains.

But now an ingenious experiment with Eurasian Jays has revealed that their behavior is based upon cunning strategy that would be the envy of any Western government.

Birds were fed peanuts until they were full, then given a chance to hide food in trays that they knew would be available for future use. Training sessions quickly taught the birds that certain trays could be accessed only at specific times. When offered multiple food types, such a raisins, the birds were able to sort the foods into specific trays based upon their anticipated needs -- the equivalent of finishing lunch, and then stocking up your grocery shopping cart for a series of dinners you are planning next week.

These experiments demonstrated the Eurasian Jays' logical ability to plan for situations in which their future needs might change, a remarkable cognitive feat for both bird and biologist! During these times of economic crisis, European leaders might have something to learn from some of their smallest -- and wisest -- constituents.

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