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Ever been stared down by a Blue Jay ?

Jays are beautiful birds that remain with us throughout the year enduring harsh prairie winters along with some other hardy birds such as sparrows, nuthatches, siskins, redpolls, chickadees and grosbeaks. The Blue Jay is one of my favourites because of its brilliant blue feathers. I once saw a Blue Jay stealing a robin chick from a nest – this was hard to watch so in spite of admiring their beauty I also see them as a predatory bird. Blue Jays and Gray Jays are common in Manitoba. Gray Jays are one of the boldest birds I have come across. They have no problem swooping down beside you and stealing a snack – very opportunistic birds. The Clark’s Nutracker which is also featured in today’s posting (last 2 photos) is classified in the section of Jays and Crows. I saw these birds in Alberta this past summer and was pleased to get some photos of them.

Below: Gray Jay in Winter

Below: Clark’s Nutcracker (not native to Manitoba – take in Alberta near Columbia Icefield)

Enjoy!
~Sharon