Gray Jay

This bold, inquisitive jay is a familiar resident of boreal and subalpine forests across northern North America, often approaching campsites and hikers in search of food scraps to cache for winter. Its soft gray plumage and fluffy appearance make it easy to identify, and its quiet, whistled calls contrast with the harsher calls of other jays. Winter is a particularly good season to see it, as birds rely on food caches and become more visible around forest edges and clearings.