Western Bluebird

Western Bluebird
Richmond, California, USA
Member of the Thrush Family
~true bird fact~ Thrushes face fierce competition for nesting space from sparrows, swallows, and starlings. However, once they have established a nest, it has been observed being defended from intruders by other species of birds, usually swallows. True friendship?

They hate fascists
Playful and inquisitive, sometimes to the point of cockiness
Teases dogs
Has a lot of fun, just a fun bird
Lucky, obviously

European Starling

European Starling aka. Common Starling aka. Starling
Member of the Starling Family
Seattle, Washington, USA
~true bird fact~ The European Starling is a bird with a gift for mimicry. He has been shown to be able to learn the songs of 20 other birds, and people have a long relationship with teaching them to mimic speech. A native to Europe originally, he lives in the Western Hemisphere today because 100 Starlings were released in Central Park 100 years ago by some nutjob who wanted American to have all of the birds mentioned in Shakespeare. Ok buddy.

A brave bird who will willing volunteer for dangerous missions
Doesn't let others in easily. A mystery to even his partner.
Would never tell this to other birds, but often feels more at home in the world of humans. An odd bird out.
Can easily run afoul of the law if he isn't careful.

Steller's Jay

Steller's Jay

Oakland, California, USA

Member of the Crows and Jays Family

~true bird fact~ Steller's Jays are fairly social and inquisitive for birds. They live in flocks of 10 or so and have been known to have strange, seemingly pointless behaviors. Sometimes they migrate outside of migration season, sometimes young birds are found far outside of their established ranges. They probably just are having fun, is what I think.

Loves the open road, staying in dive motels, eating diner food, etc.

Wears a leather (or snakeskin) jacket as a symbol of his individuality

Doesn't mind getting his hands dirty

A softy for kids, makes a good mentor even though moms are afraid of him

Naturalist Profile: Georg Steller

Steller's Jay is named after Georg Wilhelm Steller, a German-born, Russia-based naturalist and explorer of the early 18th century. He first described this Jay on one of his many exploratory trips through the vast frozen northwests of this continent. Considered a pioneer of the Alaskan territory, Steller also has a Sea Eagle, a Sea Cow, an Eider (sea duck), and a Sea Lion named after him. He was also the first explorer to describe the Sea Otter.

Steller died of an unknown illness while being persecuted by the Russian government for his sympathy towards the native peoples of Kamchatka. He left behind a book called On the Beasts of the Sea. Your Ornithologist daydreams wistfully about such a career, but is glad to not be dying in Russia. There are no known images of Georg Steller, but he did draw this manatee.

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker
Member of the Woodpecker Family
Cameron Park, California, USA
~true bird fact~ The Acorn Woodpecker uses its wit and sharp beak to creates 'granary' trees, in which he stores tens of thousands of acorns in individually drilled holes. They look like this. Now that's what I call using your head!

An incorigable jokester who often gets carried away
Loyal to his friends, rude to strangers
Some of his opinions seem offense and politically incorrect, but it's hard to tell if he's just being edgy or if he really feels that way
Silly appearance belies a dark nature. Prone to depression, his friends should keep an eye out for him.