Scrub Jay Eggs

[Carol Hiler]

Last week I flushed a Scrub Jay from our Camelia bush on the north side of the house.  Looking closer, I saw a nest towards the back of the bush, about 6 feet above the ground.  This afternoon, after mom flew off the nest to forage in the back yard, I did a sneak-and-shoot with my little Fuji camera.  I was only there about 30 seconds, but they caught me in the act.  They squawked loudly at me until I went back in the house.  Interesting that there are 3 Scrub Jays hanging out together in the yard that are associated with this territory and nest.  I can't tell male from female, but do know that one of the three sits on the eggs.  It would be interesting to know the relationship between these three.  Two females, one male?  One female, two males?  Three females?  Well, whatever, it's going to be an interesting few weeks.  I have a "birds eye view" of their nest from the upstairs window.