Greetings All,

A few days ago I asked Tweeters if anyone knew what a large flock of Steller's Jays was (were?) up to as they cavorted up and down the beach at Point-No-Point.

Four folks responded, Jesse Ellis, Mary Frances Mathis, Trudy Rasp and Guy McWethy. (Hi again, Guy) Thank you All!

They reported similar large flocks at various points around the Sound, including 50 at Brown's Point, NE of Tacoma, and two seperate reports of 30 + at Discovery Park near the lighthouse. The Browns Point group was seen in mid April and the Discovery Park bunch just 1 to 2 weeks ago. Hmmm, same group, moving north...?

There was some speculation that they were gathered up for migration, but I confess that the idea of Stellers migrating is new to me. I assumed they were resident because I see them all year. Maybe they're like the local robins; they're all on the move, but there are always some around, just not the same ones. There was also some mention that they are hesitant to cross bodies of water, hence the back-and forth behavior. Especially at Point-No-Point. Nothing north of there but LOTS of water.

Another theory was that this was some sort of mate selection process.

Any other thoughts?

-Rolan


Rolan Nelson
Fircrest, WA
rnbuffle at yahoo.com

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