I saw this pretty bird on a trip to Monterey, California, several years ago, in the summer of 2008. I found these photos again while looking through my folders.
He is a California Scrub Jay. There is information about this bird here.
You can find them in open habitats, oak woodlands and chaparral along the West Coast, as well as in backyards, pastures and orchards. Typically, though not always, in lower and drier habits than the Steller Jay.
This was the first and last time I have seen this bird. Hopefully, one of these days, we will be heading back to California on a road trip. It is good to plan!
This map shows its range.
