These patterns were developed after a local wildlife rehab center asked if anyone in the area was able to knit or crochet realistic birds that they could use as companions for their orphan fledglings.

Included are adult and fledgling California Scrub-Jays and Steller’s Jays, both common to south-central Oregon.

They are knitted back and forth in rows, with the sides being joined as the front is knitted, though there is an option to knit the front separately and sew it to the back.

They are a bit fiddly to make, with small numbers of stitches on double point needles, but an advanced intermediate knitter should be fine with them.

Yarn: Fingering weight yarn. Use any yarn, but yarn that includes at least 50% wool will hold the shape better.

Adult California Scrub-Jay page 4
Dark gray: 4 yds (3.6 m)
Pale gray: 16 yds (14.6 m)
White: 15 yds (14 m)
Blue: 32 yds (29 m)

Adult Steller’s Jay page 16
Dark gray: 28 yds (25.6 m)
Medium gray: 12 yds (11 m)
Blue: yds 37 yds (34 m)

Fledgling California Scrub-Jay page 10
Dark gray: 16 yds (14.6 m)
Pale gray: 12 yds (11 m)
Blue: 10 yds (9 m)
White: 4 yds (3.7 m)

Fledgling Steller’s Jay page 22
Dark Gray: 35 yds (32 m)
Blue: 11 yds (10 m)

Needles:
1 set US size 3 (3.25 mm) double point needles (dpns) (or size preferred)
Optional – 1 set dpns one size smaller for picking up loops and stitches.
Optional – 2 circular needles, size 2 or 3 for picking up stitches.

Also needed:
Tapestry needle
Fiberfill stuffing
Chenille sticks (3 per bird)
Glue
For the eyes, beads or black yarn and a silver thread.