The Daily Bucket is a place to catch your casual observations of the natural world and turn them into a valuable resource. Whether it's the first flowers of spring or that odd bug in your basement, don't be afraid to toss your thoughts into the bucket. Check here for a more complete description.
Seattle.
First eggshell of the year in the forest, from a Steller's Jay. It was still sticky with albumen.
Exterior of egg fragment.
Interior of egg fragment.
Of interest is the breeding range map in the link above, which shows Steller's Jays as breeding not here in the lowlands, but up in the mountains. This is the first Jay egg I've found in the forest. It's also the first year that I've been aware of Jays in the forest on a regular basis from winter into spring. It may be that their breeding range is reaching into the city, or it may be that I've just not been paying attention.
Earlier in the the day a group of four Jays drew my attention to one of the Barred Owls, who was perched at eye level about 50 feet from the nest tree.
The Jays noisily surrounded the owl. A couple of crows, a robin and a wren joined in. The owl flew off to perch deep in the green of a hemlock tree with a parade of scolding birds straggling behind.
One of the other human owl nest watchers reported a food delivery to the nest mid-afternoon on Tuesday. Wednesday from the nest I heard the female's growly whine and perhaps an owlet's whiny hiss.
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What's happening in your part of the world?
I'll be back later.