Katie's Sightings

Signs of Fall!

Steller's Jay (adult) - Cyanocitta stelleri

It's definitely Fall in my neighborhood! The long distance migratory birds are mostly on their way south to their winter residences, and the local year-round birds are dominating the neighborhood once again!

I don't usually talk much about the birds that live here all year, as I'm always distracted by the tropical migrants. They are just as lovely and wonderful as the tropical birds, but even more amazing because of their ability to over-winter in our snowy climate!

Unfortunately, because I see them so often, I tend to take Steller's Jays for granted. However, they are anything but "common". They are super smart and inquisitive. They watch everything that's going on in our neighborhood, to raise an alarm if necessary, but more often to see an opportunity for some food. I once watched a squirrel bury a walnut, and within one minute after the squirrel left, a Steller's Jay unearthed the walnut and flew away with it!!! They have habituated readily to humans, and are regular scavengers in residential areas, campgrounds and picnic areas. They are excellent vocal mimics, like Ravens, and easily imitate the sounds and calls made by other birds, dogs, cats, squirrels, as well as environmental and man made noises!

Steller's Jays mate for life. They are omnivores and eat carrion, small mammals, bird eggs, baby birds, insects, reptiles, acorns, berries, seeds, and garbage. Their beautiful blue feathers can vary in hue from turquoise to royal blue. The color comes from the cell structure of the feathers, not from pigment!Black Phoebe (adult) - Sayornis nigricans

Black Phoebes are typically non-social and solitary, except during breeding season. They are flycatchers, and feed by flying out from a perch and catching flying insects, or "hawking". Their diet consists of variety of insects, spiders, small fish, as well as fruits and berries in winter. Midges aren't listed in their diet of insects, but perhaps they do eat them! They prefer to live near water. They are year-round residents in our neighborhood, and do not migrate.Common Raven (adult) - Corvus corax

Of all the corvids, Ravens may be the smartest! They are capable of learning innovative solutions to newly encountered problems! They are also the biggest of all perching birds! Ravens can be found in almost any location across the globe! However, Ravens are non-migratory, and remain all year in their chosen location. We have a pair of Common Ravens that have lived in our neighborhood for years! I just love hearing them call to each other!

Ravens are omnivorous, and eat carrion, small mammals, baby birds, bird eggs, insects, acorns, grains, fish, and even garbage! They are also known to store extra food in secret hiding places! They will often feed together in large groups, but live singly or in mated pairs.

Of all the corvids, Ravens are the most playful! They have been seen playing games, like dropping a stick in the air and catching it before it lands! Ravens also like to swing upside down, do rolls and somersaults in the air, and slide down snow banks! Scientists think this play may be just for fun, or perhaps a way of showing off and attracting a mate.

Your questions and comments are appreciated. Please feel free to email me at northyubanaturalist@gmail.com. Thanks!