On 26 September 1995, Mike Smith wrote:

>Steller's and Gray Jays: Gray Jays inhabit high elevation conifer
>forests, Steller's Jays seem to be everywhere, though.

Gray jays also occur in the Oregon Coast Range and on the outer Olympic
Peninsula of Washington state. This surprised me when I first encountered
"coastal" birds five years ago. They are sympatric with Steller's, but I do
not know what separates them ecologically (niches). Having spent many hours
in coastal forests, I can emphatically say that I prefer being quietly
investigated by a family of grays than a mob of Steller's. Even biologists
have personal prejudices when it comes to critters!

-- Janet Hardin
Port Townsend, WA
wings at olympus.net