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<\/a>Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) photo by Larry Jordan<\/p>\n
TheWestern Scrub-Jay(Aphelocoma californica) is a non-migratory bird belonging to the more than 120 species of Corvids, considered the mostintelligent of all birds. Click on photos for full sized images.<\/p>\n
They inhabit scrub and dry woodlands of predominately oak and piñion pine but also suburban habitats in western North America.<\/p>\n
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Every year, during the summer months, adultWestern Scrub-Jays bring their molting juveniles to the yard and pond to teach their young how to best take advantage of the easy life on the Jordan property.<\/p>\n \n Scrub-Jays are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They eat predominately arthropods and fruit in spring and summer and seeds of masting trees, especially oaks and pines, in autumn and winter1<\/sup>. They are known for storing food items for later consumption. Of course where bird feeders are available with sunflower seeds, they stock up when the can.<\/p>\n \n They do a pretty good job on suet also, no matter what type of feeder you place it in. This adult jay is doing a great job of imitating a clinging bird!<\/p>\n \n In the fall, when acorns from the oak trees are ripe, Western Scrub-Jays carefully select the optimal seed for storage and carry them off to different locations to feed on later in the year. They are usually stored on the ground, driven into the soil with their bill. A leaf, small rock, or other object is often placed over the site1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n \n According to the literature, 5,000 acorns may be cached per individual in one autumn. In California, acorns are stored principally September through February and recovered from January to May, peaking in February and March.<\/p>\n These birds are so interesting, I almost forgot that I was bringing you the antics of the juvenile Western Scrub-Jays coming to the pond to drink and bathe.<\/p>\n \n