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Post by nickinthegarden on Feb 21, 2016 10:35:19 GMT -8
I made another trip this morning to check out the Western Scrub Jay and I only got to see it for a short while. It was hanging out around the edges of the school yard before it appeared to head more north. It also could have just circled around as it did that earlier. The Steller's Jays were quite active and were in and out of trees and hedges all over the area. I also saw a pair of American Bald Eagles come to a dispute in one of the large trees just off the school yard, one got driven away. Quite a number of House Sparrows around and a Northern Flicker and some American Robins also. Western Scrub Jay by Nick, on Flickr
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Post by Chris on Feb 21, 2016 11:20:36 GMT -8
Glad to see it sticking around and people are seeing it.
Really nice shot Nick.
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Post by paulos on Feb 22, 2016 8:34:37 GMT -8
It was around yesterday at noon, but on Brooks, closer to Young, not by the school. It was hanging around the Steller's Jays in a brushy backyard, occasionally popping up to perch on a tree.
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Post by Gord on Feb 23, 2016 20:39:13 GMT -8
Nick, great photo. Nicely done.
Paul, glad you got to see it. Did you see many from down in Washington?
This morning it was there again and today it was with the Steller's Jays. This afternoon I didn't notice them. I've talked to the neighbours a bit and asides from one commenting that a couple birders were talking a bit too loudly too early in the morning the feedback has been that all have been respectful which is great.
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Post by paulos on Feb 25, 2016 9:22:15 GMT -8
Gord, I only knew of one report of Western Scrub Jays in Skagit County while I was birding, in Burlington, and I didn't see it. They are not at all regular in the north half of the state, at least on the coast side. I had only seen them in Oregon.
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Post by Harrier on Feb 25, 2016 17:05:57 GMT -8
The bird is still around. It seems to be fairly consistent in the school area in the morning, and then moves around the neighbourhood in the afternoon.
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Post by murraybrown on Feb 25, 2016 19:40:54 GMT -8
Paulos and Gord, I believe there has been a pair nesting in Seattle for the last couple of years at least.
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Post by Harrier on Mar 3, 2016 17:30:18 GMT -8
I haven't noticed this guy as I've been arriving at work this week. Maybe it's moved on. Any sightings recently?
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Post by Gord on Mar 3, 2016 22:31:06 GMT -8
I saw it yesterday afternoon on Southlands (southwest corner) and again today on Young Road just north of Airport Road. Today it was with three or four Steller's Jay. I wonder as the Steller's disperse to nest if it will hang around still or get chased away by any potentially territorial Steller's.
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Post by Chris on Mar 5, 2016 11:49:24 GMT -8
I hope it sticks around for a few more weeks.
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Post by Jamie on Mar 5, 2016 19:20:46 GMT -8
Me and my dad checked the neighborhood for the Scrub-Jay this afternoon but came up empty. In fact, we didn't see any Steller's Jays either! There are some bird feeders in the area so it might still be hanging around. We did, however, see at least 7 Cedar Waxwings flycatching in a tree on Brooks Ave which was nice. They were all checked carefully to ensure none had rufous undertail coverts... Also, there were some swallows at Island 22! There were a few flying up high towards the river. We could only identify one, which was a Tree Swallow. We tried to catch up to them but couldn't find them again. Spring is definitely here!
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Post by Gord on Mar 5, 2016 22:10:27 GMT -8
Enjoyed our outing today. Maybe next time with the jay. I'm sure it's still around.
The waxwings were a fun find. Not sure if they're early migrants or, more likely, ones that over wintered.
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Post by Gord on Mar 9, 2016 17:23:12 GMT -8
It was kicking around again yesterday on Southlands Drive.
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Post by Gord on Mar 11, 2016 21:52:59 GMT -8
The Western Scrub Jay was waiting for me this morning at the top of a conifer halfway between city hall and the school. It seemed to be alone with no Steller's Jays around.
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Post by Harrier on Mar 12, 2016 8:00:13 GMT -8
I saw it again yesterday as well. It was the first time in a few weeks for me. I knew it was the scrub jay before I even saw it when I heard a Stellar's jay call that was almost perfect except it was at 150% volume. The bird has got some pipes!
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