Photo by Vitalii Khustochka / Macauley Library
The Canada Jay
Photo by Jay McGowan / Macauley Library
In 2018, the American Ornithological Society voted to change the common name of the Gray Jay, to the Canada Jay. The year before, in 2015, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society had launched a National Bird Project to select a national bird for Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017. Tens of thousands of Canadians voted online with Canada Jay (Gray Jay) being chosen as the top finalist.
10 years later, in 2025, a Canada Senate bill (Bill S-221) was introduced to formally recognize the Canada Jay as the national bill of Canada, and is now at consideration in committee in the Canada Senate. Passage of the Bill S-221 is being eagerly awaited by many Canadians, no doubt including many birders.
The Canada Jay is found in every province (10) and all territories (3) in Canada. It is also found in parts of 14 American States, including Alaska, lower north-western states and 5 north-east states.
The Canada Jay is normally found in coniferous forests. This bird is well-known to anyone who has spent time in northern woods, for it is very tame and persistently enters campsites to take food; hence one of its many nicknames is 'Camp Robber". For several years when I was canoeing in south-central Ontario's legendary Algonquin Park, I regularly had Gray Jays follow my passage along, mile after mile, of rivers and lakes.
My Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds states that "because of the Canada Jay's confiding nature, and general colouration they have often been described as giant chickadees!"
Meanwhile, I and many other Canadian birders await Canadian Senate deliberations and decision on the Canada Jay.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
No comments:
Post a Comment