Steller's Jay

Description:

The Steller's Jay, also known as the long-crested jay, pine jay, and mountain jay, is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains. It is native to western North America and closely related to the blue jay, easily distinguished because of the Steller's jays black upper body.

Habitat:

The Steller's jay mainly lives in coniferous forests but can be found in many forested areas. They can be found in low to moderate elevations as high as the tree line, but rarely go that high. Steller's jays are common in residential and agricultural areas with nearby forests. These pictures were taken on the edge of a small forest.

Notes:

I wish I could have gotten better pictures, but the silly bird wouldn't come any closer and eventually flew away :(