Gray Jay

Not a great photo, but I so rarely get to see a Gray Jay. This one was seen on the Sheep River/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count, south of Calgary, on 31st December.

"There is no other bird in Alberta that can equal the Gray Jay for boldness.... They are well known to anyone who camps or picnics in the mountains or the boreal forest." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn. These birds are bold enough to fly down and even take a sandwich out of some unsuspecting person's hand! Also called "Camp Robbers" and "Whiskey Jacks".