[birding] Steller's Jay imitating Blue Jay

[Michael Dossett]

Hi everyone,

This morning while eating breakfast I was startled by the sound of a Blue Jay calling from the spruce tree off the deck where I have sunflower seeds sprinkled.  It called a few times and then started doing an imitation of a Red-shouldered Hawk a few times before it stopped calling.  I looked around but all I could find were Steller's Jays chowing down on the seed.  About 10 minutes later I heard what I assume to be the same bird giving a very clear Blue Jay call.  Finally, a Steller's Jay landed on the deck rail and opened its bill and gave a perfect imitation of a Blue Jay.

I've never seen this before, though I suppose I shouldn't be totally surprised.  I wonder just where this bird came in contact with Blue Jays to learn this call.  The thought crossed my mind that it could be a Steller's Jay from further east that has moved into this area but it was still quite dark out (~7:20) so I couldn't get really great looks at plumage details.  

I guess now whenever I hear a Blue Jay I should be sure to get visual confirmation of the ID.  Has anyone else experienced this?

Michael


Michael Dossett
Corvallis, Oregon
www.Mdossettphoto.com
phainopepla at yahoo.com