Spend much time birding east of the Rockies and you'll know that Cyanocitta cristata, the Blue Jay, is a great mimic that likes to entertain (or confuse) you with good imitations of various raptors. West of the Rockies we have their close cousin, Cyanocitta stelleri or Steller's Jay, and they are entertainers, too. While out this morning so Roxy could do her biz we had one doing a pretty good Red-tailed Hawk. It started with a normal jay call, so I wasn't fooled, and I knew who was there even before I found it in the tree. Can't help but think it's the same bird that tries that stunt over at Visitor Center (which isn't far away) on a regular basis.
You Can Fool Some of the People . . .
Spend much time birding east of the Rockies and you'll know that Cyanocitta cristata, the Blue Jay, is a great mimic that likes to entertain (or confuse) you with good imitations of various raptors. West of the Rockies we have their close cousin, Cyanocitta stelleri or Steller's Jay, and they are entertainers, too. While out this morning so Roxy could do her biz we had one doing a pretty good Red-tailed Hawk. It started with a normal jay call, so I wasn't fooled, and I knew who was there even before I found it in the tree. Can't help but think it's the same bird that tries that stunt over at Visitor Center (which isn't far away) on a regular basis.
Hi there!
I just discovered your blog, and I must say that your photography is beautiful. We're up in Idaho now, but we lived in Utah County for a few years and always were planning a trip to the Canyons and never did it. I still kick myself!
Thanks for bringing a little of it home.
Marqueta
Hello Marqueta,
Thank you very much! Funny how that works, when you live fairly close to places, but somehow never seem to get there. Someday you will just have have to make that trip - this is a very special part of the world - such spectacular scenery - everyone needs to spend some time here -- Kevin