With reference to post-breeding dispersal of young Scrub Jays, Dennis
added:

>You certainly see a huge dispersal of Steller's Jays at this time of year,
>and I've often wondered if they are only immatures.

A sample of 95 birds may be small in the bird world, but nevertheless may be
illustrative. In 1992-93, Andy Stewart and others here in Victoria worked on
what was a very significant autumn/winter invasion of Steller's Jays into the
Greater Victoria area. They trapped and banded 95 jays, about 75 % of which
were hatching-year birds. The remaining 25 % were older, but not necessarily
breeding adults.

Again this year, Steller's Jays are appearing in the residential areas of
southern Vancouver Island, but by no means in the numbers that we experienced
in 92-93. Some of you will recall my earlier posting on this, but it is
worth repeating; on one occasion that year at least 200 jays were counted
by a reputable observer as they flew into a small copse of trees at Ten Mile
Point in Saanich, where nesting by this species is very rare. Later, they
were observed as they made efforts to cross Haro Strait to San Juan Island.
They were unsuccessful initially, but may have succeeded later.

Bryan Gates, Victoria
bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca