THE JAY 
GARRULUS GLANDARIUS 
LocaL names in surrounding counties: “ Jay-bird”’ 
(Essex). 
Status IN British Avirauna: Still a fairly common 
and widely distributed resident in most woodland districts, 
but becoming more local and rarer in Scotland and Ire- 
land. Its numbers are increased in autumn by arrivals 
from Continental areas. 
RapiAL DisTRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 
Pau’s: The Jay is another gradually decreasing species, 
yet still sparingly distributed over the Metropolitan area. 
I have no records of this bird from the central districts, 
from none of the parks and open spaces within the four- 
miles radius. It is recorded as a breeding species from 
Dulwich and Norwood, Richmond and Wimbledon ; to 
which in Middlesex may be added Osterley, Wembley, 
Harrow, Pinner, Ruislip Woods, Mill Hill, Stanmore, Kings- 
bury, Enfield, and Elstree ; in Essex may be given Waltham 
and Epping; in Kent, Dartford, the Crays,and Beckenham. 
To the Surrey localities I can also add the Croydon, 
Banstead, Epsom, and Esher areas. In autumn the Jay fre- 
quently wanders far from its usual haunts. I have seen 
it near ‘Tooting Bec Common, to which it was doubtless 
attracted by an unusually large crop of acorns ; whilst I 
have met with it occasionally at Neasden, stragglers prob- 
ably from Wembley or Hendon. It also haunts the 
grounds at Muswell Hill; and is frequently seen near 
Rainham and Dagenham. 
The Jay, another of our prettiest birds, should also be 
protected and encouraged in all parts of the London area ; 
indeed, efforts should be made to introduce this beauti- 
ful species into the large parks which contain suitable 
cover. ‘There is nothing to prevent it becoming a denizen 
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