46 University of California Publications in Zoology [Vol.10 



Creek, Errington, Beaver Creek, and Nootka; four juvenals, two 

 from Nootka Sound, and two from Errington, September 3, 4 

 (these latter apparently migrating) ; six immatures, in fresh fall 

 plumage, taken at Errington in September, and one adult female 

 in fresh fall plumage, shot at Errington. September 4. 



Cyanocitta stelleri stelleri (Gmelin) 

 Steller Jay 



A common species at most of the points visited. Found in 

 greatest abundance about Parksville and Errington. and also at 



Alberni and Heaver Creek, being probably the eonu lest speeies 



of bird at the latter point. Very few were seen in the high 

 mountains. At our camp in the Golden Eagle Basin a family of 

 Steller jays hung about the camp daily, entering the cabins and 

 stealing odds and ends of food, but only one or two were seen 

 elsewhere in the vicinity. 



We were particularly anxious to obtain a good series of jays 

 from Nootka Sound, the type locality of the species, but found 

 them unexpectedly rare, as I was told was the case along the 

 whole west coast of the island. At our camp at the head of the 

 Tahsis Canal in one week's time I secured one bird, and heard 

 another calling in the distance. At Friendly Cove I was rather 

 more successful, collecting eight specimens, but this was only 

 through a special effort, following up every bird heard calling, 

 and letting pass no opportunity of getting one. Not more Hum 

 two nr three were seen or heard in addition to the eight secured. 



At Errington, in September, the jays were exceedingly abun- 

 dant, particularly about the edges of the pastures and grain 

 fields. Harvesting operations were in progress at this time, and 

 a wheat field near our camp had just been cut and the grain 

 piled in shocks. On those nearest the edges of the Held, .close to 

 the shelter of the woods, the jays were feeding by scores; when 

 startled most of the birds departed, carrying one or more long 

 straws with them, to be thrashed out at their leisure in the 

 nearby woods. Certain favorite stumps and logs were well 

 covered with straws from which the grain had been eaten. 



It seems probable that the partial settlement and cultivation 

 of the country is favorable to the increase of the species, not so 



