A scrub jay! Aren’t they gorgeous? There are lots of them here in the Central Valley!
Yes, I love my jays, even though they are the bullies of the neighborhood.
Have you ever heard the "whisper song" of the jay? Normally, you hear them squawking and screeching, but sometimes, if you get close to one, you can hear them chirping the sweetest song very softly, similar to the varied trill of a mockingbird. It's barely audible, like they are singing softly to themselves. I was so surprised to find these raucous birds singing such a sweet song. So out of character with their rather aggressive nature.