Subject: Re: Blue Jays in E. Washington
Date: Oct 9 14:38:53 1997
From: Michael Price - mprice at mindlink.bc.ca


Hi Tweets,

Jack Bowling writes:

>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.

Looking at the excellent treatment in Campbell et al's Birds of BC, vol 3
(really do recommend this set), it shows a simultaneous infiltration of the
province in the NE (Peace District) and SE corner. It states: "...little
doubt that in British Columbia the Blue Jay does cross the Rocky Mountains,
apparently following the corridors of transportation with their attendant
communities." There's lots more to it in that section, all of it interesting.

>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.

I can remember Dick Cannings saying something to the effect that Blue Jays
seem to surge a bit further westward every five years or so, then
consolidate. The day can't be that far that the sight of Blue and Steller's
Jay's duking it out over the suet becomes an uncommon, even fairly common sight.

Michael Price We aren't flying...we're falling with style!
Vancouver BC Canada -Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
mprice at mindlink.net