Deb B. states -

> Their range doesn't overlap that of the Black-billed Magpie
> or Stellar's Jay. They may be expanding their range westward but
> seemingly, only in the winter as far as I know. They are still
> considered a rare bird in most of the Pacific Northwest (and other >
parts of the West), even though they have become rather regular > winter
visitors in some places.

I would dispute two of your assertions:

1) Blue Jays and Black-billed Magpies occur together in Alberta and
the Peace district of n.e. BC;
2) The breeding range of Blue Jays has shown a historical spread westward
into n.e. BC during the past 50 years, and is likely now starting to fan
out both north and south. I would not be surprised to see breeding Blue Jay
records from both the Fort Nelson corner and anywhere near the Alberta
border south from 54N latitude within the next five years.

There may be some small summer range overlap between Steller's (note the
correct spelling) and Blue Jays through the Rockies passes of BC/Alberta
but this is uncertain. Yes, Blue Jays are still considered on the rare side
in BC at any season.

- Jack

Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca

*posting from work...use above address if replying by e-mail*
P.G. Region Fire Weather
phone: 250-561-6116
fax: 250-561-6049
e-mail: FireWeather.PG at gems7.gov.bc.ca
All-in-One: PROWPGEORGE