The Camp Robber

We first meet, the Camper Robber & I decades ago at a picnic table. I was enjoying the view, playing with some grapes in my hand as I popped them in my mouth when from nowhere, the Robber dropped down on the table next to my hand and helped itself to a grape! I’ve loved these avian characters ever since. I’ve never lived in their range (northern US / Canada) so when ever I am in the range of the Canada Jay, I make and effort to bring back that camp robber charm in a click. These guys are amazing! Did you know they nest and raise their young in the dead of winter?! In the northern part of their range, this can be in total darkness 24/7!!! They incubate their eggs even if it’s -20f OMG! They eat basically anything, from nuts & fruits to small critters caching in the summer / fall for winter. They have to eat 47 calories a day to maintain all their energy. In 2018 the Camp Robber’s formal name of Gray Jay was changed to Canada Jay . Personally, I love photographing them best in the winter when their plumage is at its best and the snow bounces light up filling out their plumpness. There is simply nothing not to love the camp robber!