Did bluebirds once sing on Lopez?

Western Bluebirds, for example, were once widespread in the islands including Lopez; and no, they were not linked to Garry Oaks, which were nearly absent from Lopez when bluebirds still sang here. And Steller’s Jays; they have disappeared from every island since the 1940s--except Orcas, where they still thrive! (Hint: This doesn’t have anything to do with being blue, but in the case of Steller’s Jays, it may actually have something to do with acorns!) Why would these birds only survive on Orcas?

Come join Kwiaht director Russel Barsh for a free public presentation on the biogeography of the San Juan Islands:

How did everything get here?

Thursday, December 28, at Lopez Center, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.