What’s Your “Spark” Bird?
Answers by Avid BHAS Birders!
Why are you interested in birding? Does anyone ever ask you why you are so excited about birds and what bird inspired your interest? Christy Hamilton, a BHAS birder, shared with us her memory of her “spark” bird, a Steller’s Jay she first spotted in Spanaway.
“I remember playing in the back yard as a young girl (age 8 or 9) and my mother pointed out this beautiful bird high up in a Douglas Fir tree. I peered up and saw the most lovely blue colors on this bird—from dark blues, to navies. I’ve never seen such a brilliant blue—almost like turquoise—and that started me searching for other birds around and I’ve never stopped.”
Fun Fact: Steller’s Jays are iconic denizens of campgrounds and learn to steal food from campers, and even beg for handouts! Hops (not walks) on ground for food.
Audio: A loud, rapid-fire scolding, “shack-shack-shack-shack-shack!”, as heard in this recording: https://xeno-canto.org/813955
Check out YouTube videos and Cornell University for more info, such as this video on how a Steller’s Jay gets a lion’s share of food: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_lEBQtW46o .
Share your own Spark” bird with us. You may well inspire others!
Email stephaniemrrs2@nullgmail.com
By Stevie Morris
Photo credit: Steller’s Jays, top photo by Juanita Kelly, bottom photo by Rachel Hudson.
