Day 87: One of the most consistent year-'round visitors to the feeders is Steller's Jay. Their harsh voices and aggressive behaviour annoy many people, but when the food supply is abundant, they leave off arguing over seed and dine alongside the smaller birds in relative peace. Personally, I do not find their regular call irritating; rather, it is part of the daily conversations which go on outside my window. But in addition to the rasping rattle, Steller's is an imitator. He can put up an exact duplicate of the "keeeeer" cry of a Red-tailed Hawk, and sometimes employs it to clear the queue of finches and sparrows. Like other corvids, Steller's is intelligent and crafty, bold and sometimes brazen, but above all else, this magnificent bird is beautiful, and brings vibrant colour to the dull winter garden.
No comments:
Post a Comment