[Birdtalk] Pinyon Jay Comments

[Brian Maxfield]

After the previous posts concerning Pinyon Jays showing up in strange 
places this year I have kept better track of their locations when I've 
seen them.

At least here in the Uinta Basin, the pine nut crop seems to be lower 
than the last couple of years.  I've seen several flocks in the 
pinyon/juniper areas in the west side of the Basin and on the Book 
Cliffs.  However, every year I observe Pinyon Jays in areas with low 
numbers of pinyon trees.  This was the case last year even when the pine 
nut crop was tremendous.  I speculate the jays move into areas with good 
berry production.  Thanks to the heavy snowfall last winter, berry 
production has been great this year.  I have seen Pinyon Jays in 
chokecherry, serviceberry, and buffaloberry patches this year (and in 
previous years).  I even have a small flock (10-12) that frequents my 
orchard.  I have seen them in apple and apricot trees.

I suspect that some of the surprising movements of Pinyon Jays this year 
could be attributed to them searching for the berry patches that have 
produced so well this year.

Brian