Bird watching: Steller’s jays in the cedar stand

Self-tutoring about local birds: the tutor mentions a favourite.

I’ve mentioned Steller’s jays in numerous posts: for instance, in my post of October 18, 2020. Then, on October 10, 2025, I mention their return this year.

Although, as I think I’ve mentioned, they live here year-round, Steller’s jays don’t always seem present. They tend to show up for a few weeks, then disappear for a few months, then return a few more weeks, and so on. This fall, however, they seem to be sticking around – in particular, in a nearby cedar stand.

Sometimes, in a yard or house, children will gravitate to one spot and spend hours there, when they could just as easily choose another place. Where children choose to spend their time might seem surprising to others, but apparently makes perfect sense to them.

Such it is with these Steller’s jays: they have adopted this cedar stand, and seem to spend hours therein each day. This is the first year, to my knowledge, they’ve done so. What’s different this year that makes it such an attractive spot, God knows, besides the Steller’s jays of course.

From that cedar stand, the Steller’s jays will call to me (it seems). Sometimes one will fly up into a lone tree nearby, just to cackle at me (once again, it seems).

I am very happy to spend time in the yard while the Steller’s jays carry on in the cedar stand. Moreover, I’ve never known them to be so communicative.