So, prior to this visiting blue jay, my only previous sighting for this type jay at our home in latilong 21 was 4 at the feeder on 5/16/12. Those stayed for about 5 days. My edition of “Idaho Bird Distribution” is April 1998 which lists blue jay as transient/overwintering for latilong 21.

I know in past yrs, I’ve read reports from IF, Mackay & Pocatello for blue jay. I believe the one visiting my area has stayed mainly because of a steady food supply. I do anticipate that come spring, it will get the urge to seek out other blue jays & leave. Is anybody aware of any breeding reports in Idaho? As it would be interesting to learn if blue jay is expanding its breeding range.

Comparing, I’ve only seen a single Steller’s Jay at our home outside Blackfoot in our 30 yrs here. But, of course, that’s to be expected as our primary tree is narrowleaf cottonwood & not evergreens. It appears, a blue jay’s primary competitor in my area would be black-billed magpie. And, I suspect, with a magpie’s size & mob tendencies, it would make for a formidable competitor. It will be interesting to see what happens over time.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot