California Scrub-Jay

Look for these bold, blue-and-gray jays in oak scrub, chaparral, and suburban yards across the West Coast, where they perch conspicuously on fence posts and low branches. They are vocal and inquisitive, often approaching backyard feeders and readily giving harsh, scratchy calls that carry well before the bird is seen. Present year-round, they are easiest to observe in fall when caching acorns keeps them active and visible through the day.