Backyard Birds: Steller's Jay

This pair of Steller's Jays are from Wayne Pridemore's backyard in the NW section of Shoreline.

Steller's Jay. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wayne comments: The Steller's Jay is a native to western North America. It is also known as the Long-crested Jay, Pine Jay, and Mountain Jay. It is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains. The Steller Jay has a more slender bill and longer legs than the Blue Jay and has a much more pronounced crest. The trees in our yard have been visited by the same pair of jays for the last six years. They don't stay long as they go from tree to tree picking vegetation and insects from the bark.

Steller's Jay. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

This Steller's Jay, along with its partner, is a common sight in our neighborhood. They are a bold pair and seem to be intelligent and wise as they scope you out with their dark eyes.

See previous column by Christine Southwick