Steller’s Jay

Steller’s Jays breed from Alaska to northern Central America in the Cascades and Rocky Mountains. These jays habituate to humans and are often found near bird feeders or campgrounds. They are common residents in forested areas of Washington. During winter, there is some elevational migration and young birds occasionally wander from breeding areas. Therefore, I am surprised that this Steller’s Jay, checking out our feeders, is the only individual I have listed in our Olympia backyard. Washington populations are not declining. Breeding Bird Surveys indicate Washington populations increased 1.3% from 1966 through 2011 (Walker et al. 2016).