Western Scrub-Jay Mission

[Gord]

Today at Neilson Park in east Mission I heard a different kind of sound among a few Steller's Jay that were also vocalizing for some reason or another. I went to investigate the odd sound and discovered a Western Scrub-Jay! ;D I went back for a camera and figured Id get a photo of this bird no problem. Jays and crows are large birds and often belligerent too, right? Well this one played coy and shy. It was quite vocal and it was easy to find which tree it was in, but at best I only caught glimpses. It was almost annoying. It stuck to the cedar trees and at the end it seemed to move down the row of cedar trees heading west perpendicular to the road that runs north and south along the park's western border. There were a half-dozen Steller's Jay here as well. The hazelnut trees are no doubt the attraction (again!). A flock of 22 Evening Grosbeaks flew overhead while I was there and a couple Killdeer were at the lake edge.

Directions and information about the park can be found from clicking here.

[Chris]

Nice sighting Gord. This species is expanding north so that means we might get more sightings this year.

[murraybrown]

There have been so many reported in the greater Vancouver/valley region this year that it seems inevitable a male and female will hook up in the same place at the same time and we will have the beginning of a breeding population.

Good find Gord.

[ysmum]

My parents who are not far from Neilson Park, had this little beauty visit their yard!

[Gord]

Robbie, great to hear! Do ask them to keep notes on sightings and so forth. Im delighted someone else is enjoying it as well!! ;D

Murray, I think it's only a matter of time too.

[ysmum]

My parents and big time backyard birders and mom is always calling me to let me know what has visited. It's amazing the feathered beauties they see. Mom has also informed me that my brother, who lives just below the Abby here in Mission, has spotted a snowy owl several times on his property.