A California Scrub Jay in Carmel, California

[Silver Gaia]

5. I'm sure someone is putting peanuts out for them.

Scrub jays loooove peanuts, so it's a good way to befriend them.

Once they get the shell open, they do sort of break them apart to eat them. They just peck at them and swallow til the peanuts are gone. Sometimes they make a "Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!" sound, kind of a chortle, when swallowing. The nestlings make that sound, too, when being fed, so if you hear it a lot, there is probably a nest nearby. The babies will beg pitifully for food, too. If you have scrub jays, listen for it in the spring.

They are enjoyable backyard companions -- noisy at times, but fun! .