Kayaking with Stellar’s Jay: blue bird identification [kayak wildlife]

May 11, 2023 Admin

We love a good Stellar’s Jay spotting when we’re out paddling. These beautiful blue birds are quite striking in appearance and fairly common in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho – So, you have a great chance at spotting these Pacific Northwest animals in the wild.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the captivating world of this vibrant and intelligent bird species, its natural habitat, unique behaviors, and the importance of bird conservation. We will also provide some tips on how and where to spot them while you're out river and lake kayaking.

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Meet the Stellar's Jay

The Stellar's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a striking bird species native to the forests of western North America. It is easily recognizable by its prominent crest, blue plumage, and black head. Measuring approximately 11-12 inches in length (about the size of an American Robin), the Stellar's Jay is the only crested jay found in the Pacific Northwest.

According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this bird is closely related to the Blue Jay, but unlike its eastern counterpart, the Stellar's Jay inhabits dense coniferous forests for nesting and foraging (source: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology).

Habitat and Distribution

Stellar's Jays can be found from Alaska down to Central America, but they’re one of the animals commonly spotted in the Pacific Northwest. These birds prefer higher elevations during the breeding season (late spring to early summer) and lower elevations during fall and winter.

As you kayak through the serene waters of the U.S. states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, you might spot these birds in old-growth forests, wooded parks, or even near your campsite, as they have a natural curiosity and healthy populations. They’re one of our favorite birds to observe in the wild during our paddling adventures.

Conservation and bird monitoring efforts

Bird populations, including the Stellar's Jay, can act as valuable indicators of ecosystem health.

Monitoring and conserving these birds not only ensures their survival but also contributes to the preservation of the habitats they inhabit.

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), which has been collecting data on bird populations since 1966, is one such effort to monitor trends in bird populations across the continent.

According to the BBS, the Stellar's Jay population has remained relatively stable in recent decades, with a slight increase observed between 1966 and 2015.

As a kayaker, you can contribute to bird conservation by participating in citizen science projects such as the Christmas Bird Count and the Great Backyard Bird Count. These initiatives collect valuable data on bird populations, which can inform conservation efforts and improve our understanding of the natural world.

Behaviors and Diet

Stellar's Jays are intelligent and inquisitive birds. They are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of food sources such as seeds, berries, insects, and small animals. They also exhibit opportunistic feeding behavior, taking advantage of human food sources when available (but don’t feed wild animals, please).

These birds are also great mimics, imitating the calls of other birds, particularly birds of prey like the Red-tailed Hawk. This clever tactic helps them scare away potential competitors from their territory.

Spotting Stellar's Jays while kayaking

To spot a Stellar's Jay while kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, look for their vibrant blue feathers and distinct crest. They can often be seen perched on branches near the water's edge or hopping from branch to branch while foraging for food. And since they’re curious in nature, they may fly over to check out your kayak from a nearby tree.

Listen for their distinctive calls, which can range from harsh, scolding sounds to soft, melodic notes. But as great mimics, these sounds can be deceiving as well.

Paddle through forested areas and along shorelines where coniferous trees are abundant to increase your chances of encountering a Stellar's Jay. They are also known to frequent recreational areas and wildlife preserves.

Where we see Stellar’s Jay all the time? Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge is a great spot to flatwater kayak for excellent bird watching (bald eagles, osprey, and more too!).

Flatwater Kayak Club