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Canada Jay; Whiskey Jack; Meat Hawk; Moosebird
Adult--Upper parts gray; the back of head and neck black; a large white spot on the front of head; under parts delicate gray, with whitish on the throat and sides of neck. Length--12.00.
Breeding Range--Northern New England and northward.
The nest is composed of twigs and strips of bark, with a thick lining of moss and feathers, and is placed in a fir tree close to the trunk, at no very great distance from the ground. The eggs, which number from 4 to 6, are grayish white, marked evenly or chiefly at the larger end with distinct and faint spots of brown. Size--1.12 x .80.
This graceful fluffy bird is at once the companion and the tormentor of the sportsman when camping out in the lonely forests of Maine or northward. If he happens to be alone it is pleasure to have these birds frequent the camp, even at the cost of the dainty morsels that attract these keen-eyed thieves, who will drop from their look-out perch and seize the treasure, rapidly retreating towards a place of safety.
A piece of meat must indeed be carefully covered to protect it from these active pilferers; they are so absolutely tame (unless fired at) that they will even eat from one's hand upon slight acquaintance.
The nests are begun as early as February, even when the snow lays thick on the ground and the temperature is far below zero.