The jay I see most often is the California Scrub Jay, but in the mountains they are replaced by the Steller's Jay. This one was photographed at Idyllwild County Park in the San Jacinto Mountains. His crest was raised higher than usual--I thought it gave him a surprised look. 6/2/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
When I first got down to Salton Sea, at one of my first stops I saw several of these Western Tanagers in the Palo Verde trees. They were mostly flying from tree to tree, but this one perched long enough for a couple of shots. This is the male with the orange head. (I know I posted one of this species a few days ago, from the Morongo trip, but I liked this one with the yellow flowers in the tree.) 5/27/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
While driving through a wetlands area near Salton Sea, I found a colony of Yellow-headed Blackbirds. As I drove along, one would occasionally pop up out of the cattails, making their loud, harsh calls. I believe this one was shot through my none-too-clean windshield (not recommended!) 5/26/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
