* One of our most colorful birds. The blue is not caused by a pigment but by refraction of light by the structure of the feathers.

* Year-round perky resident. Prefers areas with stunted trees (like Gambel “scrub” Oak) in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Also inhabits backyards of homes close to foothills.

* Acorns form a significant part of its diet. It may cache acorns for winter use. Also feeds on small rodents, insects, and eggs and young of small birds.

* Along with other members of the crow family, it is one of the most intelligent of birds.

* Lower photo shows a Scrub Jay carrying an acorn, probably retrieved from a cache since it was early spring when the photo was taken and the Gambel Oaks in which it is perching had not yet leafed out.