Hi All -

A Western Scrub Jay showed up in Lapwai, ID (just south of Lewiston) in mid
December (first record for northern Idaho). There has been some discussion
on inland-nw-birders as to the sub-specific identity of this bird. There is
currently also a W. Scrub Jay near LaGrande WA that is thought to be an
interior (woodhouseii) bird. The W. Scrub Jay at Chief Timothy Park, Asotin
Co., WA in winter 2002 was also thought to be an interior bird.

The Lapwai bird could be of the "coastal" group although it would seem
interior would be more likely based on pattern of occurrence (although
coastal populations are probably closer!). It seems brightly colored
compared to photos of some interior birds I have seen (esp. see first photo
below). It is hard to determine bill size from photos.

I observed the bird several days ago in poor light conditions and never
close up. The underparts seemed dingy to me and the bird was acting somewhat
furtively which is more in line w/ how interior birds are described. It is
visiting a feeder but remains out of view for long periods of time. It did
not vocalize when I observed it and nobody else has reported this. The bill
was not well observed. Research I have done on seperating these sub-species
just leaves me more uncertain!

Any commentary would be appreciated by those familiar w/ W. Scrub Jay in
western WA. If the Sullivans are listening, perhaps they could pass along
and photos of the Chief Timothy Scrub Jay if available. Also is there
evidence that western WA Scrub Jay are expanding into the interior (for
example upstream along the Columbia R.).

The best photo available of the bird was taken by Terry Gray and is at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryandchristine/80057133/in/photostream/

There are a couple of other decent shots by Keith Carlson at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birddog/79070299/in/photostream/

thanks, Charles.

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, ID
chaetura at gmail.com