Stellar's Jay

Yesterday, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. I was very happy that we were lucky enough to see a Stellar's Jay at Harvie Heights (near Canmore). Back in February, I had seen one in exactly the same place! Very difficult to get a photo of these birds, so I was pleased that even this very distant, cropped shot captured the bird suffiiciently to tell what it is. I may never seen one again, which is why I am posting two (very poor) photos of this gorgeous bird : ). Maybe one day, I will be able to get a closer, sharp photo of one. Till then .....

This bird is the provincial bird of B.C.. In Alberta, Stellars are spotted most often in the Rockies and this is a wintering one. They are locally uncommon year-round.

"These birds have glossy blue plumage; black head and nape; large, black crest; white streaks on the forehead and chin; wings and tail are accentuated by dark blue." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn.