It’s spring and we all know what that means. That’s right—the goddamned scrub jays are back.
California Smug Jerk Common Name: California Scrub Jay (formerly Western Scrub Jay)
Due to climate change, this smug son of a bitch has expanded its range from California up the western coast of the U.S. into Washington State, and is now regularly disturbing the peace in my back yard with its fucking loud, harsh call.
It used to be called the Western Scrub Jay, but some scientists got bored and decided to divide them into two separate species (California Scrub Jays in coastal areas, and Woodhouse’s Scrub Jays in the interior). Both are still smug fucks.
Bird Region: North America. West Coast. Definitely in the author’s trees.
🦅🦅🦅
Read all about this and other asshats from around the world in my latest book:
Speaking of black phoebes nesting under eaves, a pair of them nested at one of the restrooms at the State Beach, and the fledglings are out of the nest. I saw one trying to perch on the dome of a tent and sliding down repeatedly.
Here’s what they look like:
I was at the State Beach because I was checking on the snowy plovers, who are doing great! This year we have not one but two nests (so far), and while I was watching another pair was acting frisky, so maybe a third nest will happen. After 60 years without a nesting on this beach before last year it’s exciting to see the birds coming back. The State Park biologist is going to hold volunteer docent training, and you can bet I’ll be there.
