The gray jay is widespread in the mountains, foothills and boreal forests of Alberta. In winter this crestless jay might be seen in the parkland and in forested areas near cities, especially in years when food resources are scarce.
The bold gray jay is at home in dense spruce and mixed coniferous forests. This intelligent, opportunistic bird has learned that picnickers pack goodies, and is commonly observed looking for handouts or scraps at picnic sites and campgrounds in its range. It is not afraid to help itself if handouts are not forthcoming ? hence its other name "Camp Robber:".
When not wheedling whatever it can from people, gray jays feeding habits are like those of other corvids, taking seeds, fruit, insects, and occasionally the eggs and nestlings of other birds. They might also be seen at roadkills. The gray jay has special sticky saliva that it uses to stick together balls of berries, which are then glued to tree branches for future eating.
The nest, usually in a conifer, is constructed of twigs, bark and moss and lined with fur and feathers. Two to six eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days and young are fledged 15 days after hatching.
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Where to find Gray Jays in Alberta
Gray Jays are realtively new to the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. Still rare, they are showing up with increasing frequency during winter months on the southside of the park near picnic tables along the paved pathway. Brent Johner
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PAUL FINKLEMAN
for serving as the society's ADOPT-A-PARK COORDINATOR this year
ROSEMARIE FOLEY
for serving 7 consecutive years on the society's Board