The Status and Occurrence of California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) in British Columbia. By Rick Toochin. Revised: October 28, 2024.

The California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) is found from the western United States to southern Mexico (Curry et al. 2002). The California Scrub-Jay subspecies that has turned up in British Columbia is (A. c. californica) and are resident in southwestern Washington State, south through parts of coastal and central Oregon, to southwestern California, extreme west-central Nevada, and south to southern Baja California (Curry et al. 2002). In Washington State, the California Scrub-Jay has been slowly expanding its range northward since the 1990s with records spilling into the Lower Mainland and south-western corner of British Columbia (Campbell et al. 1997, Wahl et al. 2005). The number of California Scrub-Jay records in British Columbia has dramatically increased each year since 1993. This species has recently changed from the status of casual occurrence to rapidly changing to becoming a rare regular resident species in the Lower Mainland region from Vancouver to Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2014, Please see Table 1.). California Scrub-Jays have recently been found nesting in Maple Ridge (summer of 2014, P. Levesque pers. comm.) and in the Chilliwack region (D. Baker pers. Comm.). These records represent the first confirmed nest records for Canada (P. Levesque pers. comm.). The California Scrub-Jay has occurred in eastern Washington State and photographed in the South Okanagan (Toochin et al. 2014, see Table 1.). 

 

In 2016 the AOU split the Western Scrub-Jay into 2 species; the California Scrub-Jay and Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Chesser et al. 2016). This Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocomawoodhouseii) which is resident from southeastern California, throughout Nevada, southern Idaho, and southeastern Wyoming, into Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, and central Mexico. Vagrant birds have turned up in northern Wyoming, central Kansas, Illinois, west-central Indiana, and Manitoba (Curry et al. 2002).  There is an unconfirmed report from the snow ridges between 5 mile and Ketutl Basins, in the East Kootenay on June 15, 2003 (Toochin and Cecile 2022e). 

The birds that have been documented in the Lower Mainland and south coastal British Columbia have been California Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). These birds are the more colorful than Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay. All Scrub-Jays are distinguished by their long body shape, long tails, and lack of any crest (Sibley 2000). Adults California Scrub-Jays have a large dark thick bill with a dark facial patch; with a white supercilium that goes from the bill base over the eye (Sibley 2000, Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The crown, nape and side of the neck are a rich deep blue colour (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The back has a brownish patch on the back that is quite large in size (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The rump and upper tail is a rich blue colour (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The throat is white (Sibley 2000). It is separated by a partial blue breast band; the remainder of the breast is bright white extending down to the undertail coverts (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The underside of the tail is grayish coloured (Sibley 2000). The legs are long in length and are black in colour (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). 

 

Adult Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are similar looking to coastal birds (Sibley 2000, Dunn and Alderfer 2011). In overall colour, the blue is paler and not as dark or rich in colour (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The breast is gray right down to the vent and there is blue on the undertail coverts (Sibley 2000, Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The bill is, on average, smaller and a bit thinner to the coastal birds (Sibley 2000, Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The back colour of the interior birds is a light gray-blue colour that covers a smaller area on the back than the darker coloured coastal birds (Sibley 2000). 

 

The juvenile plumage differs markedly from that of adults. From fledging to first prebasic molt, the young California Scrub-Jay has a grayish-brown or brown head with no blue and only a hint of a white supercilium (Curry et al. 2002). There is often a brown collar across the breast and a reduced whitish throat patch (Curry et al. 2002). This plumage is held briefly before birds start changing to more adult like plumage (Curry et al. 2002). Observers should watch for this plumage in British Columbia as it could mean that birds are breeding in the area. The California Scrub-Jay has a distinct harsh sounding call that sounds like “shreeeeenk” that is often repeated (Sibley 2000). It also gives a repeated series of “wenk wenk wenk wenk” or “kkew kkew kkew” or “sheeyuk sheeyuk“calls (Sibley 2000). Birds of the interior group are lower pitched in sound than birds of the coastal group (Sibley 2000).

 

The California Scrub-Jay has slowly been expanding its range north in Washington State for the past 20 – 30 years (Wahl et al. 2005). Since 1993, the number of records in British Columbia has increased exponentially. Records now occur every year and, in most years, there are multiple occurrences, sometimes involving more than a single bird (Toochin et al. 2014, Toochin et al. 2022 Please see Table 1). In British Columbia, there are now over 200 provincial records (and counting) with the vast majority of records most coming from the Vancouver area and the Fraser Valley region, with 3 photographed records from the South Okanagan, 2 from Squamish, and 2 from the Sunshine Coast (Toochin et al. 2014, Toochin et al. 2022 see Table 1). As of 2023, there are no reported California Scrub-Jay records from Vancouver Island but this seems highly likely as the species continues to expand northward on the west coast of Washington State (D. Cecile pers. comm.). All coastal records involve California Scrub-Jays. The California Scrub-Jay was recently found nesting in the summer of 2014 in the Maple Ridge area representing a new breeding species for both British Columbia and Canada (P. Levesque pers. comm.) The adult birds were feeding 2 fledglings and were well photographed and confirmed by many observers (J. Fenneman pers. comm.). Another nesting pair successfully produced offspring in the Chilliwack region in the summer of 2022 (see Table 1). Of note there is a well photographed hybrid California Scrub-Jay with a Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) in Sardis, in the Chilliwack area from early August 2018 to at least March 14, 2021 (D. Cecile pers. comm.). There are now at least 2 other photographed records of hybrid California Scrub-Jay x Steller's Jay from the Vancouver area (See Table 1). It is highly likely that more California Scrub-Jays will be found breeding throughout the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia given the dramatic increase in observations, reports with multiple birds present, the frequency of occurrence during late spring and early summer, and the fact that some individuals have remained for several seasons. A recent explosion of birds in 2022 makes this factor all but a certainty (see Table 1). The California Scrub-Jay, like other jays, readily comes to bird feeders. The area of the Lower Mainland is perfect for them as this species likes open suburban areas, such as city parks or areas with open gardens (Curry et al. 2002). This species can occur in any month of the year in the Lower Mainland and turn up in any city park or backyard, especially where there is a bird feeder. Observers should always be on the lookout for California Scrub-Jays throughout the southwestern corner of the province in the future as they are likely to increase in numbers and are slowly becoming part of the natural avifauna of southwestern British Columbia.

1.(1) adult November 8, 1981: (photo: BCPM: 747) South Langley (Campbell 1982a, Campbell et al. 1997)

2.(1) adult July 28, 1993- December 1, 1995: Gloria Sven, mobs (photo) Musqueam Pk., Vancouver (Bowling 1994a, Davidson 1994, Dorsey 1996b, Campbell et al. 1997)

3.(1) adult December 30, 2001- March 2, 2002: Fred & Marian Visentin, mobs (photo) 1413 Stewart Place, Pt. Coquitlum (Toochin 2014f)

4.(1) adult October 5-12, 2002: Kathy Stewart (photo) Chehalis Estuary, Agassiz Area (Cecile 2003a, Toochin 2014f)

5.(1) adult October 19, 2003-April 11, 2004: Diane Kehoe, mobs (photo) 4126 River Road, Ladner (Cecile 2004a, Toochin 2014f)

6.(1) adult June 23, 2004-April 19, 2005: Marcia and Grant Danielson (photo) 40195 Kalodon Road, Squamish (Cecile 2004d, Toochin 2014f)

    (1) adult March 27, 2005: Byron Andres: (fide Vancouver Rare Bird Alert) Garibaldi Highlands BC, a subdivision of Squamish BC (Toochin 2014f)

7.(1) adult July 23, 2005: Rick Toochin: flew across Highway 1 near Mount Lehman Exit, Abbotsford (Cecile 2005d, Toochin and Fenneman 2008, Toochin 2014f)

8.(1) adult December 17, 2005 – February 3, 2006: Roy Lukow, mobs (photo) 45922 Higginson Road, Chilliwack (Toochin 2014f)

9.(1) adult November 28- December 1, 2006: mobs: 13100 block of 107A Ave, Surrey (Toochin 2014f)

10.(1) juvenile - adult June 20, 2009-June 6, 2011: Roger Craik, mobs: 21900 block Lougheed Hwy near Carshill Road, Maple Ridge (Toochin 2014f)

11.(1) adult November 11, 2009 – December 27, 2009: fide Tony Greenfield, mobs (photo) Gower Point Road, Gibsons, Sunshine Coast (Toochin 2014f)

12.(1) adult May 10-18, 2010: Rocky Hildebrand (photo) 200th St & 24th Ave right beside the Fernridge Hall, Langley (Toochin 2014f)

13.(1) adult September 30, 2010: Jay Black (photo) Blackie Spit, White Rock, Surrey (Toochin 2014f)

14.(1) adult October 1, 2010: Peter Candido: Cecile Green Park, UBC, Vancouver (Toochin 2014f)

15.(1) adult October 2, 2010: Jessica Baird (photo) Promontory Hill Area, Chilliwack (Toochin 2014f)

16.(1) adult October 14, 2010: mobs: near 160th Street & 8th Ave, Surrey (Toochin 2014f)

17.(1) adult October 28-November 5, 2010: mobs (photo) Strathcona Park, Vancouver (Toochin 2014f)

     (2) adults November 20-April 6, 2010: mobs (photo) Strathcona Park, Vancouver (Toochin 2014f)

18.(1) adult November 2, 2010-January 25, 2011: Russ Cannings, mobs (photo) Terra Nova Park, Richmond (Toochin 2014f)

     (1) adult May 10, 2011: Les Lee (photo) Terra Nova Park, Richmond (Toochin 2014f)

19.(1) adult November 3-4, 2010: RT, BM, mobs: 9800 block of Chapman Road, Rosedale (Toochin 2014f)

20.(1) adult December 4, 2010: Al and Donna MacKenzie: 51st Ave and Salish Drive, Musqueam, Vancouver (Toochin 2014f)

21.(1) adult December 27, 2010: fide Russ Cannings: Princeton (Toochin 2014f)

22.(1) adult December 31, 2010: fide Russ Cannings: Osoyoos (Toochin 2014f)

23.(1) adult January 4-5, 2011: Gordie Gadsden, mobs: Neilson Park, east Mission (Toochin 2014f)  

24.(1) adult September 19, 2011: Russell Cannings: Boundary Bay Airport Subdivision, Delta (Toochin 2014f)

25.(1) adult September 24, 2011: Gordie Gadsden: Greendale (Toochin 2014f)

26.(1) adult November 28, 2011: Gordie Gadsden, mobs: Neilson Park, east Mission (Toochin 2014f)

27.(1) adult April 1, 2012: mobs: Bridal Falls (Toochin 2014f)

28.(1) adult September 13, 2012-February 17, 2013: Ryan MacKay, mobs (photo) 7th Ave & 18th St., near Grimston Park., & area, New Westminster (Toochin 2014f)

29.(1) adult October 22-23, 2012: fide Laurie Rockwell: Atkins Ave., Summerland (Toochin 2014f)

30.(1) adult February 3, 2013: John & Myra Toochin: 959 West 58th Ave., Vancouver (Toochin 2014f)

31.(1) adult March 30, 2013: Kevin Louth: 95th Ave and Grant Place, North Delta (Toochin 2014f)

32.(1) adult September 9-11, 2013: Maureen Hannay, mobs (photo) near Hamilton St., and 18th Ave., New Westminster (Toochin 2014f) 

      (2) adults April 19-22, 2016: Ryan Mack (photo) nesting Nanaimo St. and 18th Ave., New Westminster [birds present in area since late 2012] (R. Mack Pers. Comm.)

33.(1-2) adults September 24-October 20, 2013: Graeme Stevens (photo) 2206 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge (Toochin 2014f)

34.(1) adult October 30, 2013: John Vooys: Bellvue Crescent, Abbotsford (Toochin 2014f)

35.(1) adult November 2013 – October 2014: James Warren (photo) Murrayville, Langley (Toochin et al. 2022)

36.(1) adult January 1 –February 1, 2014: Wayne Diakow, mobs (photo) between 16th & 18th St., New Westminster (Toochin et al. 2022)

37.(2) adults February 3- May 27, 2014: Roger Craik (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (4) [2 adults/2 juveniles] June 18-August 2, 2014: John Gordon, mobs (photo) Maple Ridge [1st nest record for Canada] (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult August 27-October 6, 2014: mobs (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (3) [2 adults/2 juvenile September 8, 2014: Scott Fraser (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (2) adults November 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015: mobs (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (4) adults September 13-23, 2015: Daniel Arndt (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult October 4, 2015: Roger Craik (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult December 9, 2015-January 14, 2016: Tom Plath (photo) York St., and 119th Ave, Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (3) adults January 30, 2016: Michael Sather, mobs (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (2) adults April 11-15, 2016: Melissa Hafting, mobs (photo) York St., and 119th Ave., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (2) adults November 1, 2016: Anne Hamilton: 221St Ave. and 122nd St., Maple Ridge area (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (2) adults June 1-7, 2017: Rufus McIntyre (photo) 220th and 119 Ave., Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (2) adult September 18-21, 2019: Melissa Hafting, mobs (photo) Dewdney Trunk Rd and Dunbar St. also seen on 221 St. and Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (2) adults October 4, 2019: mobs (photo) York St., and Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (2) adults January 6- February 16, 2020: Bruce Di Labio, mobs (photo) 221 St. near Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

38.(1) adult February 21, 2014: Greg Stuart (photo) MacDonald Road and Ferguson Road, Sea Island, Richmond (Toochin 2014f)

39.(2) adults February 24, 2014: Rick Toochin: Fish Trap Creek, Abbotsford (Toochin 2014f)

40.(1) adult September 8, 2014: Maureen Carlson (photo) Central Coquitlum, near Mundy Park (Toochin et al. 2022)

41.(1) adult October 20, 2014: Hugh Griffin: 200m east of No. 4 Road, Richmond (Toochin et al. 2022)

42.(2) adults November 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015: Alan Moat, mobs (photo) River Road & 76th St., Delta (Toochin et al. 2022)

43.(1) adult August 25, 2015: Laura Jordison: Ferry Slough, off Windjammer and Ferry Roads, Ladner (Toochin et al. 2022) 

44.(1) adult September 2 – October 27, 2015: Jay Brogan, mobs (photo) Chapman and Clarke, Coquitlum (Toochin et al. 2022)

45.(1) adult November 15, 2015: Laura Jordison: Frigate Road, Ladner (Toochin et al. 2022)

46.(1) adult December 21-February 8, 2015: Steffany Walker, mobs (photo) Brittania Shipyard, east of Steveston Village, Richmond (Toochin et al. 2022)

47.(1) adult December 31, 2015 – January 3, 2016: Lori Bailey, mobs (photo) 5558 5B Ave., Tsawwassen (Toochin et al. 2022)

48.(1) adult February 18- March 13 & April 22-27, 2016: mobs (photo) Southland Crescent area, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult June 29, 2016: GG (photo) Southland Crescent area, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (1) adult September 16-October 4, 2016: GG, mobs (photo) Young Road, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

49.(1) adult March 19, 2016: Gavin McLeod: 1810 Hamilton Street, New Westminster (Toochin et al. 2022) 

50.(1) adult May 11, 2016: Rick Toochin (photo) Airport Road, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

51.(1) adult October 9, 2016: Bob Moore: Coquitlum (Toochin et al. 2022)

52.(1) adult October 24, 2016: Daniel Foehlich: Iona Island Regional Park, Richmond (Toochin et al. 2022)

53.(1) adult October 28, 2016-May 19, 2017: Mike Willis, mobs (photo) 2540 S. Grandview Hwy., Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

54.(1) adult November 4, 2016: Joel Schmidt (photo) McDonald Park, Sumas Prairie (Toochin et al. 2022)

55.(1) adult September 8 - October 3, 2017: Robin Lamb (photo) 20th Ave and 266B St., Aldergrove (Toochin et al. 2022)

56.(2) adults September 15-16, 2017: Neal Doan, Melissa Hafting, mobs (photo) Blackie Spit, White Rock (Toochin et al. 2022)

57.(1) adult October 1-2, 2017: Samantha Scott: Catherwood St. and Lougheed Highway, Mission (Toochin et al. 2022)

58.(1) adult October 3, 2017: Pat Creighton, Gary McGowan: end of Clarke Road in Snake Hill, Pt. Moody (Toochin et al. 2022)

59.(1) adult October 8, 2017: Anne Toews: Abbotsford area (Toochin et al. 2022)

60.(1) adult October 15, 2017: Frank Lin (photo) Fraser Heights, Surrey (Toochin et al. 2022)

61.(1) adult October 29, 2017 – February 24, 2018: Christian Lodders, mobs (photo) Southlands Crescent, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult July 19-21, 2018: Rick Toochin, mobs (photo) Southlands Crescent, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult February 16- May 8, 2019: Christian Lodders, mobs (photo) Southlands Crescent, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

      (1) adult January 14, 2020: Christian Lodders, mobs (photo) Southlands Crescent, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

62.(1) adult November 1, 2017: Diane Kehoe, mobs (photo) 4126 River Road, Ladner (Toochin et al. 2022)

63.(1) adult December 15, 2017: Michael Dossett: near Aspen Park, Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

64.(1) adult January 7, 2018: Dave Baker: Fraser Highway and Ross Road (Toochin et al. 2022)

65.(1) adult January 9, 2018: Rick Toochin: Fish Trap Creek Park, Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

66.(1) adult February 18-21, 2018: Susan Levy, mobs (photo) 947 Caithness Crescent, Pt. Moody (Toochin et al. 2022)

67.(1) adult March 10-16, 2018: Isiah Nugent, mobs (photo) East 15th Ave. and Copley St., Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

68.(2) adults May 17- June 24, 2018: Heather Parr, mobs (photo) 12142 Dover St., Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (2 adults & 4 young) July 7, 2018 – April 19, 2019: Heather Parr, mobs (photo) 12142 Dover St., Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022

     (2) adults September 7-25, 2021: Steve Juhasz, mobs (photo) 1200 block of Dover St. and 220th, Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

69.(1) adult May 21-24, 2018: Christian Lodders: 24th Ave., and 152nd St., Surrey (Toochin et al. 2022)

70.(1) adult September 16, 2018: Allan and Donna McKenzie (photo) Yuculta Crescent, Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (1) adult January 12- April 4, 2019: Allan and Donna Mackenzie (photo) Yuculta Crescent, Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

71.(1) adult December 16-19, 2018: Anne Mackie, mobs (photo) Salish Dr., and Staulo Crescent, Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

72.(1) adult March 21, 2019: Farshead Pourmalek: Burnaby (Toochin et al. 2022)

73.(1) adult May 30, 2019: Barbara Isaac: Downes and Verdun, Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

74.(2) adults October 19-22, 2019: Jill Koppang: 2425 Lynden St., Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

     (2) adults November 16, 2019: Rick Toochin: Bakerview Street and Peardonville Road, Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

75.(1) adult October 28, 2019: fide Rob Worona (photo) Sardis Area, Chilliwack (Toochin et al. 2022)

76.(1) adult October 1, 2020: Mernie Senchuk: Cloverdale area (Toochin et al. 2022)

77.(1) adult October 3-4, 2020: Kaichi Huang (photo) Cecile Green Park, UBC, Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

78.(1) adult October 7, 2020: Sue Flecker, mobs (photo) Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver (Toochin et al. 2022)

79.(1) adult October 10, 2020 – March 26, 2021: Peter Candido, mobs (photo) 96th St., and Ladner Trunk Road (Toochin et al. 2022)

80.(1) adult October 11, 2020: Heather Anderson (photo) near Burns Bog, Delta (D. Baker Pers. Comm.)

81.(2) adults October 15, 2020: Robert Puls (photo) private home on 256th St., Langley (Toochin et al. 2022)

82.(1) adult October 15, 2020: Reg Robazza (photo) private home near 156 St and 107a St., Surrey (Toochin et al. 2022)

83.(1) adult October 15, 2020: Bruce Tilby (photo) front yard feeder at 4658 Kensington Place, Delta (Toochin et al. 2022)

84.(1) adult October 18, 2020: Tom Plath (photo) on hedgerow and telephone wire at 4 Rd., and Dyke Rd., Richmond (Toochin et al. 2022)

85.(1) adult October 20, 2020: Glen, Helen, and Elise Carlese (photo) 216th St and Thornton Ave., Maple Ridge (Toochin et al. 2022)

86.(1) adult October 28, 2020: Reanna Schaft (photo) Hart St. and Girard Ave., Coquitlum (Toochin et al. 2022)

87.(1) adult October 29, 2020: Rick Toochin (photo) Wells line Road near Dixon Road, Sumas Prairie (Toochin et al. 2022)

88.(2) adults October 30, 2020 – May 4, 2021: David Bradley, mobs (photo) near Ladner Harbour Park, Ladner (Toochin et al. 2022)

89.(1) adult November 26-December 14, 2020: Corry Anne, mobs (photo) Agassiz [present for the month of November] (Toochin et al. 2022)

90.(1) adult December 3, 2020 – April 18, 2021: Chris Dale, mobs (photo) Squamish (Toochin et al. 2022)

91.(1) adult January 29, 2021: Rick Toochin: Highway 1 east of McCallum Road exit, Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

92.(1) adult March 11-April 10, 2021: J. Sharman (photo) 258 Hart St., Coquitlum (Toochin et al. 2022)

93.(1) adult August 4, 2021-January 27, 2022: Phil Kelly, mobs (photo) 7833 Swanson Ave., Delta (Toochin et al. 2022)

94.(1) adult September 13-16, 2021: Scott Moloney, mobs (photo) Bond Blvd near 64A St., Delta (Toochin et al. 2022)

95.(1) adult October 4, 2021: Marylou Johnson: 11528 80th Ave., Delta (Toochin et al. 2022)

96.(1) adult October 14-18, 2021: Neil and Andrea MacLeod (photo) 9329 University Crescent, SFU, Burnaby (Toochin et al. 2022)

97.(1) adult November 6, 2021: Rick Toochin: Interprovincial Road, near No. 2 Road, Abbotsford (Toochin et al. 2022)

98.(1) adult January 21-March 15, 2022: Paul Clarke, mobs (photo) on Shell Rd between Sealord Rd. and Seahurst Rd., Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

99.(1) adult February 24, 2022: Doug Martin: off April Road, Pleasantside, near Ioco (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

100.(1) adult May 18-27, 2022: Leona Schroeder, mobs (photo) McMillan Road and McCabe Place area, Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

       (1) adult September 9, 2022: Leona Schroeder, mobs (photo) McMillan Road and McCabe Place area, Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

       (1) adult September 4 - October 20, 2024: Leona Schroeder (photo) McCabe Place, Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
101.(1) adult June 15, 2022-June 14, 2023: Phil Kelly: 115 St and 76 Ave., Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult bred with Steller’s Jay July 21-November 6, 2022: Phil Kelly, mobs (photo) 3 hybrid young 11430-78th Ave, Delta

                 [likely involving same bird as above] (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

       (1) immature hybrid September 13, 2022-March 10, 2023: Simon Bernard (FN) 9868 179 St – Surrey [likely involving 1 of the same hybrid birds from above] (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

       (1) adult hybridJune 10-July 13, 2023: Robyn Moore, mobs (photo) 11430-78 Ave, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

102.(2) adults circa June 10- December 19, 2022: fide Gord Gadsden, mobs (photo) 5822 Hazel Street, Chilliwack (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

         (2) fledged juveniles July 12-December 19, 2022: Bentley Collwill (photo) 5822 Hazel Street, Chilliwack [1st Fraser Valley Nest Record] (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

         (1) adult February 5-28, 2023: Suzy Wright, mobs (photo) 9527 Hazel St. and nearby area, Chilliwack (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

         (1) adult May 23, 2023-October 21, 2024 : Bentley Colwill, mobs (photo) 9522 Hazel Street (and nearby), Chilliwack (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

103.(1) adult September 19, 2022: fide Julian Heavyside: near 6845 Copper Cove Road, West Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

104.(1) immature September 20-October 3, 2022: Cecilia Fraga, mobs (photo) Douglas St., between 5th and 6th Ave., Hope (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

105.(2-3) adults September 20- October 9, 2022: Randy Walker (photo) at private home on Downes Rd., Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

106.(1) adult September 21, 2022: Laura DePedrina: 24322 80th Ave, Langley (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
107.(1) adult September 21, 2022: Ella Minnow: McDonald Beach Park, parking lot, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
108.(1) adult September 21, 2022: Khalid Boudreau: Gardenworks, 4746 Marine Drive, Burnaby (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
109.(1) adult September 22-October 21, 2022: Ben Lambert, mobs (photo) 4595 - 54a Street, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
 110.(1) adult September 22, 2022: Ryan Lewis: SE corner of Rupert St., and Harbour St., North Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

111.(1) adult September 22, 2022: Alan Morris (photo) Elgin Park, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

112.(2) adults September 22, 2022: Dominic Janus (photo) in parking lot for Tilbury Dyke access, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

113.(1-4) adults September 23, 2022- October 13, 2024: Grant Edwards (photo) at private home on Maple Crescent, Ladner (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
114.(2) adults September 23, 2022: Cynthia Chen (photo) at private home on 95a Street, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

115.(1) adult September 23, 2022: Dennis Knopp: at Glenwood St off Bernard Ave., Chilliwack (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

116.(1) adult September 24, 2022: Ben Freeman (photo) UBC, Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
117.(2) adults September 24, 2022: Rob Lyske, mobs (photo) flying east by Otter Point at Maplewood Flats, North Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
118.(1) adult September 25, 2022: Sabine Jessen: at Cecil Green Park, Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

119.(4) adults September 25-27, 2022: Neill Vanhinsberg at Blackie Spit Park near Purple Martin boxes last seen on Gardiner Street near McBride Ave., Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
120.(1) adult September 26, 2022: fide Mike Wright: at private home, Port Coquitlam (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

121.(1) adult September 26, 2022: Bradley Bloemendal:  at Prospect Point at Stanley Park, Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
122.(1) adult September 26, 2022: Peter Nielsen: private home on 46a St., Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

123.(1) adult September 26, 2022: Karan N.: at private home on Trites Rd., Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
124.(1) adult September 27, 2022: Farshad Pourmalek: at Salish Court Pond, Burnaby (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
125.(1) adult September 27, 2022: Brian McSkimming (photo) at 3490 Cambridge St., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
126.(1) adult September 27, 2022: Valerie Fuller: at private home on Arthur Dr., Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)   
127.(1) adult September 27, 2022: fide Liron Gertsman: at private home, Maple Ridge (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)  
128.(4) adults September 28, 2022: Vicki St. Germaine, mobs (photo) Oak Place, Ladner (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

129.(8+) adults September 29, 2022-October 21, 2023: Doug Bamford, mobs (photo) at Ladner Harbour Park and near Sharkey's restaurant parking lot, Ladner (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

130.(1) adult September 29, 2022: Don Emery: at private home, Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
131.(1) adult September 29, 2022: Rick Toochin (photo) private home, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

132.(1) adult September 29, 2022: Nicki Brocamp: at 5343 Wildwood Crescent, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

133.(1) adult September 30, 2022: Raymond Liu (photo) at Granville Ave and Barnard Dr., Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
134.(1) adult October 1, 2022: Debbi Hlady (photo) at Village Park, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
135.(3) adults October 1-11, 2022: Peter Candido, mobs (photo) Brunswick Point, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

136.(1) adult October 1, 2022: Joshua Ralph (photo) Ash St., and W 71st Ave., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
137.(1) adult October 1, 2022: Les Peterson (photo) 1574 Cameron Point, Agassiz (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
138.(2) adults October 3, 2022: Sunny Zhang: Jericho Park, Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

139.(2) adults October 4, 2022: Sandra Pabliski: Avondale Park. Burnaby (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
140.(2) adults October 5, 2022-March 12, 2024: Lauren Bruneski, mobs (photo) Westminster Hwy near Cooney Road, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

141.(2) adults October 6, 2022: Eric Habisch (photo) at private home, Langley (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
142.(2) adults October 10-13, 2022: Daniel Graca, mobs (photo) along Fraserglen Drive, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
143.(1) adult October 10, 2022: Pat Birch (photo) 3549 W 28th Ave., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

144.(1) adult October 10, 2022: Peter Lypkie (photo) 5293 Ketch Place, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

145.(1) adult October 10, 2022: Courtney Ric (photo) West 71st Ave, and Ash St., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
146.(3) adults October 13, 2022-May 16, 2023: Paul Clarke, mobs (photo) on Shell Road and Sealord Road, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

147.(3) adults October 14, 2022: fide Wayne Diakow (photo) at 96A and 176 St., Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

148.(1) adult October 15, 2022: Kamil Szlachta (photo) along 109 Ave., Maple Ridge (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
149.(1) adult October 15, 2022-February 24, 2023: Paul Clapham (photo) Balaclava Park near 31st and Collingwood Ave., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

150.(4) adults October 15, 2022-April 5, 2023: Lise Owens, mobs (photo) Dunsmuir St. and Gilley St. near Blackie Spit Park, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
151.(1) adult October 16-17, 2022: Kathleen McEachern, mobs (photo) Grand Boulevard and 9th St., North Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

152.(3) adults October 16, 2022: Justin Flint (photo) 333 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

153.(1) adult October 17, 2022: Rick Toochin (photo) at 288th and Highway 7, Maple Ridge (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

154.(4-5) adults October 18-November 13, 2022: Daniel Graca (photo) 156 St., and Green Timbers Greenway, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
155.(1) adult October 18, 2022: Peter Clarke (photo) Fir Street near River Road, Maple Ridge (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

156.(1) adult October 25, 2022: Rick Toochin (photo) Munroe Ave and Marshall Road, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

157.(1) adult October 28, 2022: Krissi Martin: South Sumas Road near Peters Road (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

158.(1) adult October 31, 2022: Ben Freeman (photo) Rotary Park, Ladner (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

159.(1) adult [hybrid with Steller’s Jay] November 1, 2022-March 21, 2023: Darko Bojanic, mobs (photo) Halley Ave. and Fir St., Burnaby (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

160.(1) adult November 1-7, 2022: Darko Bojanic, mobs (photo) Halley Ave. and Fir St., Burnaby (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

161.(1) adult November 6, 2022: Sabine Jessen (photo) Terra Nova Park on dyke near playground, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

163.(2) adults November 8, 2022-May 23, 2024: Margaret Hansen, mobs (photo) North MacDonald Ave and Oxford St., Burnaby (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

164.(1) adult November 10, 2023 – April 15, 2023: Larry McLean, mobs (photo) 2134 Peters Road, West Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

165.(1) adult November 19-28, 2022: Gabe van der Berg (photo)632 East Sixth St., North Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

166.(1) adult November 24, 2022-April 13, 2023: Tom Plath, mobs (photo) off railroad tracks between 4 Rd and Woodwards Slough, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

167.(3) adults November 25, 2022: GG (FN) Rosevale Ave., Agassiz (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

        (2) adults December 13, 2022: Kevin Jones: along Morrow Road, Agassiz (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

168. (1) adult November 28-December 15, 2022: Kathleen McEachern (photo) 216th St and Ridgeway Crescent, Maple Ridge (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

169.(1) adult December 5-6, 2022: fide Wayne Diakow: 11551 Trumpeter Drive, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

170.(3) adults December 6, 2022 – October 14, 2024: Catherine Chow, mobs (photo) 7855 Shackleton Drive and area, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

171.(1) adult December 6, 2022-April 16, 2023: David Bell, mobs (photo) 745 Birch St., Okanagan Falls (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

172.(2) adults December 6, 2022: fide Cole Gaerber: at 32nd and Dunbar, Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

173.(1) adult December 17, 2022:  Alan Moat (photo) on Westwater Drive near Brunswick Place, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
174.(2) adults December 12-17, 2022: Allissa Best (photo) 4926 48 B Ave, Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
175.(3) adults December 26, 2022: Krissi Martin: 43570 Adams Road, Chilliwack, (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

176.(3) adults December 29, 2022-January 5, 2023: Mike Klotz (photo) near Christ Covenant Church, Langley (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

177.(up to 6) adults December 31, 2022-April 15, 2023: Neal Doan, mobs (photo) Delair Park, Abbotsford (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

178.(1) adult January 2-March 22, 2023: Alex Bodden (photo) Ricker Road, off Barcello Road in Cawston (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

179.(1) adult January 3, 2023: Rick Toochin: Townshipline Road and Lefeuvre Road, Langley (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

180.(2) adults January 8, 2023: Joanne Macdougall (photo) on Ladner Rd near bridge, Pitt Meadows (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

181.(1) adult January 25-March 24, 2023: Edie Bijdemast, mobs (photo) at Britannia Shipyards, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

182.(1) adult February 3, 2023: James: at James Street near 2nd Ave., Mission (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

183.(3-4) adults February 11, 2023: Rick Toochin, Al Russell (photo) Vye and Whatcom Road (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

184.(1) adult February 17-29, 2023: Myrna Ziola, mobs (photo) 1650 E 61st Ave., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

185.(1) adult February 25- April 23, 2023: Hugh Griffith, mobs (photo) on the trail north of Quilchena Golf Course at Terra Nova Park, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

186.(1) adult March 9, 2023: Ed Klassen: Vedder Rotary trail near Wilson Rd and the dyke, Yarrow (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

187.(3) adults March 21, 2023: Bentley Colwill: along Vedder River opposite Dyke Crest Road, Yarrow (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

188.(1) adult April 27, 2023: Krissi Martin (FN) near overpass at Annis Road, Chilliwack (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

189.(1) adult April 28, 2023: Yousif Attia (FN) along Highway 17A near Ladner Trunk Road (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

190.(1) adult April 18-28, 2023: Tara McBryan, mobs (photo) 11560 on #2 Rd and observed at #2 Rd and Steveston Hwy, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

191.(1) adult May 8, 2023: Mark Russell: Whatcom Road and McKee Road, Sumas Mt. (M. Russell Pers. Comm.)

192.(1) adult May 14-16, 2023: Michelle Mickmore (photo) at private home near Maplewood Flats, North Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

193.(1) adult June 23-30, 2023: Damion Ruthven: 46406 Yale Road, Chilliwack (D. Ruthven Pers. Comm.)
194.(2) adults June 25, 2023: Sarah Cutting (photo) at 27065 East 29th Ave., Langley (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

195.(1) adult June 26, 2023-June 23, 2024: Daniel Pollock, mobs (photo) 5306 Cedarview Place, Sechelt (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
196.(1) adult July 11, 2023: Anthony Lynn (photo) at 113A and 79A Ave., Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
197.(1) adult July 13, 2023: Jacob Stasso (photo) 7711 Willowfield Drive, Richmond (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.) 

198.(1) adult August 31, 2023: Melissa Hafting and Ben Lambert, mobs (photo) Colony Farm, Coquitlam (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
199.(1) adult September 8-16, 2023: Nicki Brockamp (photo) East 11th Ave and Garden Dr., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
200.(1) adult September 9-13, 2023: Sabine Decamp (photo) back yard in Tsawwassen (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
201.(2) hybrid with STJA adults September 13-October 7, 2023: Steve Sache (photo) 11726 Chateau Wynd, Delta (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

202.(1) adult October 27, 2023: David Bell (photo) 172nd Street, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
203.(1) adult November 14, 2023-April 16, 2024: Jeff Brooks: Blenheim St and W 12th Ave., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.) 
204.(2) adults January 24-August 29, 2024: Brent Schmor, mobs (photo) 7439 James St., Mission (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

        (1) adult May 9, 2024: Carolyn Schmor, , mobs (photo) 7439 James St., Mission (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
205.(1) adult March 2, 2024: Rick Toochin: Whatcom Road and Vye Road, Sumas Prairie (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

206.(1) adult March 13, 2024: Sam MacTavish: near Inverness St. and East 37th Ave., Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

207.(1) adult April 10, 2024: Victoria Otton:  Culzean Place and Balbirnie Ave., Port Moody (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

208.(1) adult April 28-30, 2024: Jesse Jackson: at 214th St and Dewdney Trunk Road, Pitt Meadows (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
209.(5) [2 adults and 3 juveniles] May 6-October 22, 2024: Tom Plath, mobs (photo) at 11200 #3 Road, Richmond with confirmed breeding at #3 Road near Richmond Music School (Toochin 2024b) 
210.(1) adult May 14, 2024: Wes Aslin (photo) backyard in Aldergrove (W. Aslin Pers. Comm.) 
211.(1) adult May 27, 2024: John Reistma (photo) 6500 block of Beechwood Street,  Vancouver (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)  
212.(1) adult September 4, 2024: Maria Mercedes Bustamante (photo) Yarrow area [been around for 3 years] (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

213.(1) adult September 15, 2024: A & A Powell (photo) Newby Dr., Sardis (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

214.(1) adult September 18, 2024: A & A Powell (photo) Wilson Road, Yarrow (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
215.(1) adult September 20, 2024: Ryan Hardy (photo) 96b Ave., Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.) 
216.(3) adults September 27-29, 2024: Ilya Povalyaev, mobs (photo) along Target Street, Blackie Spit, Surrey (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

I want to thank Barbara McKee and Don Cecile for editing the article. I would like to thank Don Cecile for tracking down the information on the hybrid jay from the Sardis area of Chilliwack. I also wish to thank Jamie Fenneman, Paul Levesque, Greg Stuart, and John Toochin for sharing details on past and personal sightings. I also wish to thank Marcia and Grant Danielson, Al Russell and Greg Stuart for the use of their California Scrub-Jay pictures. All photos are used with permission of the photographer and are fully protected by copyright law. Photographs are not to be reproduced, published, or retransmitted on any website without the authorization of the photographer.

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