Day 154: Georg Wilhelm Steller was a German naturalist who lived from 1709 to 1746, leading a short but adventurous life filled with discovery. It is for him that the Steller's Jay is named, as well as many other species which he was first to record including the Sea Cow and Sea Otter. He travelled with explorer Vitus Bering and survived the expedition which was to cost Bering his life.
This beautiful bird is common in much of rural western Washington. Various populations are reported as being shy, while others are known to be very forward toward animals and humans alike. A member of the corvid family, these birds are quite intelligent. They are daily visitors to my feeders at any time of year.
No comments:
Post a Comment