Where we live in Florida scrub jays are rare and their habitat is protected, but here in Oregon they are a common yard bird all year long.
They're about the size of a common crow and share characteristics -- loud, obnoxious, and smart! They're fun to watch though, because of their personality -- and of course the beautiful blue color.
They think they own the bird feeder, sometimes landing on it for no reason except to show the smaller songbirds that they're in charge. As soon as the little guys scatter, the jay will fly away, often without even taking a seed.
Here's one just sitting there in the blackberry bushes staring at the feeder (and through our window). It looks like he's daring any other bird to come and eat!
Fortunately, the jays get tired of the game after a while, otherwise we'd never see any other birds.
Linked to WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY. Thank you Stuart.
I love jays of all kinds..so smart and big personalities..
Posted by: Rambling Woods | November 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM
They never visit my yard, they keep to the oak woodland about 1/4 mile away.
Posted by: Martha | November 17, 2012 at 09:24 AM
Great yard birds - I've never seen one of these birds.
The hoopoe was a bit of a turning point - my bags turned up a few hours later, the conference went well and nobody asked me any questions I could not answer in after my presentation!
Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW - Stewart M - Australia
Posted by: Stewart M | November 15, 2012 at 01:29 AM
Fascinating. Love the photos!
Posted by: Strawberry Lane | November 14, 2012 at 05:38 PM
I saw my first scrub jay in Portland last year. They are so very blue and yes, very bossy birds. Love these shots!
Posted by: Gail Dixon | November 14, 2012 at 05:00 PM
Handsome bird! Similar behavior as the Blue Jay.
Posted by: Pat | November 14, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Oh neat! I got to see these for the first time in September!!!
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | November 14, 2012 at 02:41 PM
OK, they're not RED, but BLUE is edging closer as my favourite!!!!
Posted by: Red Nomad OZ | November 14, 2012 at 01:55 PM
Great photos of this bird, another new one for me :)
Posted by: susanne | November 14, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Very nice images of the jays! Hope to see their Florida cousins later this week. --Wally
Posted by: Wally | November 14, 2012 at 11:54 AM
this is one of my daughter's favorite, she can always tell it's a jay in which case I don't know my birds... glad she's around to identify them for me. :D
Posted by: Prem | November 14, 2012 at 10:14 AM
I like those, but I have never seen one IRL! Nice shots!
These are not living in Sweden.
Greetings Pia
Posted by: Pia | November 14, 2012 at 08:28 AM
The birds thought this is their day.
Which in fact isn't.
Posted by: Rainfield (雨田） | November 14, 2012 at 07:01 AM
How funny is that? You get to see them all of the time up there. I still have seen one yet here in Florida. Nice catch!
Posted by: Dina J | November 14, 2012 at 05:44 AM
Beautiful shots..:-)
Posted by: Ed | November 14, 2012 at 05:44 AM
Lucky you to have such a gorgeous bird so close by!!!
Hope you can find a bit of time today to stop by and visit to view my collection of feathered friends this week!!
Posted by: I'd Rather B Birdin [anni] | November 14, 2012 at 05:04 AM
Beautiful captures of these Scrub Jays, Sallie. They are so hard to find around here and I had no idea they were such big bullies.
Posted by: Pam | November 14, 2012 at 04:00 AM
A lot like regular blue jays. They are aggressive, but I find them pretty. :)
Posted by: Halcyon | November 14, 2012 at 03:10 AM
They are a beautiful blue even if they are a bit mean.
Posted by: diane | November 14, 2012 at 02:41 AM
More "summery" photos and tales to see me through the Winter. (I've just bought 3 bags of rock salt for my drive if it snows).
Posted by: HAZEL | November 14, 2012 at 12:56 AM
What a pretty little blue bird ! I have never seen one like this here in my world !
Posted by: Gattina | November 13, 2012 at 11:17 PM
They are rather raucous and obnoxious around here too, but the little birds don't seem to care.
Posted by: Gaelyn | November 13, 2012 at 10:50 PM
What a lovely bird! We don't have those here.
Posted by: Karen | November 13, 2012 at 09:44 PM
Great photos - they sound like fun birds to watch. You are fortunate to have a whole different set of birds to watch in your different places.
Posted by: Mick | November 13, 2012 at 08:39 PM
What pretty jays!
Posted by: Lady Fi | November 13, 2012 at 08:37 PM
I like those Scrubs!
The Blue Jays seem to have a bad rep. I really enjoy watching mine. Oh, they do just as you say and try to dominate the feeders. They are such a beautiful bird I try to forgive them their ways. This fall I've seen a greater number than I ever have. There's about ten or so visiting the yard at the moment.
Love the second shot Sallie!
Posted by: Carletta | November 13, 2012 at 08:03 PM
Interesting bird - "a scrub Jay"!!! We have Blue-jays here, quite plentiful - about the size of a common homing pigeon.
Nowhere near the size of a crow. Ours seem harmless towards other birds. At least they can take on the "wretched Indian Mynahs" - so I really like them.
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane. Australia)
Weather report: Beautiful sunny Spring day, but maybe a storm tonight. Rain in modertion is still needed.
Posted by: Colin Huggins | November 13, 2012 at 06:17 PM
big blue bully! handsome, though!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | November 13, 2012 at 05:33 PM
I've never seen that kind of blue jay here but we are starting to get some migratory birds pass through here this month! You'll be back soon, won't you? Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | November 13, 2012 at 05:23 PM
I've never seen one! WOW.
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | November 13, 2012 at 04:13 PM
I enjoyed these shots of the scrub jays. You captured their personalities well.
Posted by: Carver | November 13, 2012 at 03:22 PM
What a gorgeous blue!
Posted by: Mama Zen | November 13, 2012 at 03:12 PM
I got to see some of the Oregon Scrub Jays, they are neat to watch. Great shots, Sallie!
Posted by: Eileen | November 13, 2012 at 02:32 PM