(perisoreus infaustus)
The Siberian Jay is a strikingly attractive bird. It is resident all year in the northern coniferous forests with a preference for old growth with lots of beard lichen. It gathers food during the summer months and hides it in tree crevices for the long, cold winter months. In winter time it is very bold and approachable and will readily come to feeders. With a little patience it will even take food from the hand - hey are particularly fond of raw minced meat. Most of the birds photographed here were scavenging the bait at the Golden Eagle hide near Kuusamo.