Crow and Raven Family and Jays Black- billed Magpie Blackbirds Clark's Nutcracker Crow Raven Blue Jay Gray Jay (Whiskey Jack) Stellars Jay Grackle
Common Crow, Calgary, Alberta
Crow talking in its harsh voice - ' Caw Caw Caw '
Difference Between Northwestern and Common Crow Technically the crow of the west coast is called the Northwestern Crow, but in spite of that I still like to use the name " Fish Crow," since it seems like a more descriptive name to me. Apparently the " real " Fish Crow in North America is found along the Eastern Seaboard from Rhode Island all the way south to the Gulf of Mexico. You know you can call it what you want - you don't have to follow strictly a book to enjoy nature. The Northwestern Crow is only found in Canada along the West Coast, not far from the seashore. Its territory on the West Coast extends from Washington State all the way along the Alaska coast. There is a clear distinction between the territories of the Common and Northwestern Crow - you will not see a Common Crow on the BC West Coast by the sea - only the Fish Crow. I was fortunate to live on the BC West Coast for a few years and know these birds. They are smaller than a Common Crow and their voice or call is not as strong or robust as that of the Common Crow, and has a different tone or pitch to it. Like a different accent. One amazing habit or trick they have is to gather up a closed clam from the seashore, and flying up high with it, drop it onto the rocks, or pavement below. If the impact doesn't break the clam open the first time - they will try again. Very clever birds. They love the seashore, and are your feathered beach combers - and the persistent waves always wash up something interesting, and often good for a Crow to eat.
Northwestern Crow - on the BC West Coast
Northwestern crow eating dead crab on the seashore - Pacific Rim National Park, BC
Northwestern Crow - Vancouver Island
Black-billed Magpie, Calgary, Alberta
Magpie Nest
Raven at Lake Louise, Alberta
Young Ravens (Fish Creek Park, Calgary, Alberta) left by the Raven parents on the safety of this fallen tree, while the parents searched for food. The parents returned when the pictures were being taken, but were secretive and hid in the trees until we left.
Male Redwing Blackbird
Female Redwing Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird (taxidermy)
Male Yellow-headed blackbird, at Frank Lake, Alberta
Female Yellow-headed Blackbird
Common Grackle, Calgary, Alberta
Pictures in our minds - Vision of a bright, sparkling winter day. The squeaky pleasant sound of the bright blue, blue bird from the woods. A flash of blue. Images by Ray Wegner
You know what horses often do. And you know what one of the more common feeds of horses is - yes oats. Well this clever, enterprising Whiskey Jack was picking out undigested oat seeds from the horse manure lying on the trail.
Pictures from Bragg Creek, Alberta
Gray Jay - at Valhalla Provincial Park in the Slocan Valley, BC - near the shore of Upper Arrow Lake.
Clark's Nutcracker, in the high country (Goat Range) not too far from Spray Lake, Alberta
Stellar's Jay
Along sea shore BC west coast
Stellar's Jay (taxidermy)
This web site built, designed, and owned by Ray Wegner. All photos (unless otherwise clearly stated) are original pictures, taken, built, edited and owned by Ray Wegner and his kids. Copyright
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What is this Gray Jay
looking at so intently ? We were up on a trail above Lake Louise. This
trail was also being used as a horse trail, for some horse riders. 
