BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 16, 2026
On a table in our living room we keep a copy of Peterson’s Field Guide to Eastern Birds. On the inside of the back cover and facing page is a running list of birds we’ve seen. one bird missing from the list is the Canada jay, also known as the gray jay, camp robber, whiskey jack or gorby. I like the name gray jay. It matches the bird’s plumage. As much as we enjoy our outdoor activities in the northern half of the state, the hope of seeing Canada jays is a big reason we go each year. When I’m in the North Woods I enjoy seeing Canada jays around camp as much now as I did when I was a kid. It’s good to know some things never change. ~ Al Raychard