Tweeters:

On the eve of the big Clallam Co birding blitz at Graysmarsh, thought I'd
report a PURPLE MARTIN over the Boeing plant in Everett this morn. Judging
from reports, this species seems to be recovering locally; three cheers to
the box-program workers, to whom we can extend a hearty thanks for the
favorable results!

Also, a belated strange behavior report for last Sunday, May 12. We have a
pair of Steller's Jays in our yard, and related to them in the afternoon I
observed something I'd never seen before. I had just covered a small berm
with fresh beauty-bark, and from a distance looking back at it, thought I
saw a piece of dark-blue rubbish (like a wrapper) that had blown over onto
it. Going over to investigate, I found with amazement that it was a
Steller's Jay--laying (sort of) over the beauty bark with wings fully
spread! I haven't the faintest idea what it was doing, but can guess that
(a) it was sun-bathing (the bark was in full sun); (b) it was trying to
encourage the approach of certain insects into the shade it had created; or
(c) it was drying its wings like a cormorant. Anyone out there with
expertise on jay behavior?

Scott Atkinson
Lake Stevens
mail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com

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