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Steller Jays are also approachable. I'm a camp host. One started aggressively seeking food from campers. I took a close look at it and saw the one of the recent forest fires had damaged its feathers. It was desperate for food. I respected that bird. It did what it had to do to survive. I started feeding it. Next year when I returned to the campground, it showed up within an hour calling for food, and its feathers had been replaced.

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I too have enticed/befriended a group of Steller's Jays at my weekend cabin. I've always put out seeds for casual bird watching and about two years ago started giving them peanuts as well. I make sure to give a distinctive whistle for that extra Pavlovian effect. Many are quite accustomed to me, will come within 5-8 feet to snatch a tossed peanut. Over the last year, they often greet me when I drive up with some calls, or usually come when I whistle if they're not around. The two resident black Abert's squirrels also come up for the peanuts, often by my feet.

They are also several ravens in the area, often staying at tree top level, 60-70 ft. I've never been able to get their attention. even with peanuts. I'm guessing they just don't see the action at ground level, too many trees, or feel safer higher up.

The Stellers are a lot more shy than the scrub jays. Handfulls of peanuts in our front yard now and then leads to quite the show, with Stellers, Scrubs, and Crows all gathering around. Plus a gray squirrel or two.

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