Gray Jay

These birds have always been welcomed around my campfire. Many times they have shared a log with me waiting patiently for a crumb of bagel to fall from a sandwich on which I was munching. On several occasions I've had them take a sandwich out of my hand when I was looking away. One morning, one even managed to take a bit of my oatmeal when I turned away from breakfast to reach for a water bottle. They seem absolutely fearless, even when found in deep wilderness where, arguably, they may never have seen a person. I often think that they must have made welcome company for lonely trappers and explorers snowbound in remote northern locations. They are tricksters, but I wouldn't give up their company despite the occasional pilfered food supplies. Wonderful, fascinating birds! Anyone who has seen one and experienced their inquisitive and intelligent personalities is a person whose life is enriched (or made hungrier....grin).

It seems out of the normal range but have you looked up the gnatcatchers?

Great spot and photo, Shilo! A handsome Gray Jay that be ... and sitting on a Birch tree, I believe. Well done.

i forgot to add that I really like his cute little black beak!

looks petite compared to the regular blue jays!

Definitely a gray (or grey) jay, also known as whisky jack, camp robber. This is a very cool bird. We find them here in northern Minnesota, but our populations of this bird is declining. I've enjoyed their company in the backcountry while wilderness canoeing.

very unusual but pretty bird!