Sisters Country birds

Raucous, boisterous, annoying, disagreeable are just a few terms used to describe the Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri). Granted much of their behaviors can be described as loutish, and appreciating these forest birds can be challenging, however the mixed blues of their feathers are nothing but stunning and observing their creative ways is intriguing.

The Steller's jay is a master mimic; crying babies, red-tail hawks, cats, dogs and other birds are just a few calls heard from these jays. The jay was discovered first in Alaska in 1741 by naturalist George Steller, who was traveling on a Russian exploration ship. The oldest Steller's jay recorded was 16 years old.

They build their nest mostly high in conifers, using mud combined with sticks, moss, and leaves and then lined with pine needles or animal hair. Two to six blueish-green dark-spotted eggs are incubated for 16 days and in another 16 days the fledglings leave the nest when they feast on insects, berries, and nuts.

A collection of jays is called a "party" or a "band."

For more Steller's jay images visit http://abird singsbecauseithasasong.com/recent-journeys.