Western Scrub Jay Greendale Sept 24

[Gord]

Today as I was going out the door for work I saw a Western Scrub Jay fly through the backyard and land in the big conifers. I think I mumbled something along the lines of "Seriously?!?"

It then proceeded to squawk and fuss. Turns out a Sharp-shinned Hawk was the problem. I couldnt hang around to get a picture.

It is conceivable this is one of the birds seen at the Great Blue Heron by Bruce and Joanne in early August.

Chris texted me back to say this is the fourth sighting of the year of this species. That's fairly significant!

[kestrel]

That's incredible! Seems they're becoming more common out here these days.

[birdtrekkerbc]

Another good record. I did some research on the Western Scrub Jay as it seems like in the last year or two sightings are becoming more regular throughout the Lower Mainland and the Valley. They have turned up in Maple Ridge, East Vancouver, Richmond and the most recent sighting in Ladner close to Reifel.

Their range has expanded north over the past couple of years and it might just be a matter of time before we have a breeding pair up here. There has been two recorded breeding pairs in the Seattle area this year.

Thanks for this report Gord. That's possible 5 different birds seen in 2011.