P.S. I had a recent inquiry about a "friendly" dark gray and white bird found on a hike in the White Mountains. The bird in question is no doubt what we call a Gray Jay, also known as a "Camp Robber or WhiskeyJack". They are known as opportunists, taking advantage of any available food source, including hikers' gorp or trail lunches. There are many popular view points that seem to have their resident gray jays waiting for a scrap. In a few place gray jays have become pesty since hikers are often intrigued by these seemingly tame birds and offer gray jays
all sort of M&M's and other treats if they will swoop down and pick it off an outstretched hand. Left to find food on their own gray jays will eat insects and seeds. Birds in this family Corvidae, are known for storing extra food and gray jays have a special gland that produces a sticky salvia which it uses to fasten food items to tree branches, far above any possible snow cover. As year round residents they don't migrate. See "The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior" by David Sibley for more information.
Photo credits: Mark Dindorf - Southern Presidentials 9/20/07; Nancy Ritger - Lakes of the Clouds 9/17/07