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| Steller's Jay |
Whether it's a Steller's, California or East coast Blue Jay, they all share common traits. Besides loving peanuts, they are extremely vocal especially when it comes to scaring off an intruder. It always piques my curiosity when a mob of Jays shows up in a tree squawking.
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| Red-shouldered Hawk |
Sometimes it's a snake, a cat or a hawk that they're trying to scare away.
Yesterday, when our Black Oak tree was full of 6 loud Steller's Jays, 1 California Scrub Jay and 1 curious, little Mountain chickadee, I scoured the tree for the recipient of these unwanted calls. The tree was empty but I noticed that they directed their attention to this hollowed out hole in one of the limbs...who was in there?
Eventually, the birds left the tree. Just as the sun was lowering in the sky, we discovered the source of all the fuss...a Western Screech Owl had been sleeping in this perfect cavity. If it hadn't been for the raucous calls of the Jays, I never would have found this cute little owl roosting in our oak tree. Next time you hear some noisy Jays, check it out. You may discover something amazing, too!
