My Scrub Jay Family Returns!

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Enchanted Seashells

My blueblue California Scrub Jay family has returned to build a nest in the tree house. While so much is WRONG in this world right now, the fact that these birds reappeared is heartwarming.

While they don’t use the same nesting material year after year, jays often return to the same location, referred to as site loyalty. They are very attached to their home ranges, and pairs often stay together for multiple years, leading them to build new nests in familiar spots within that territory.

How lucky am I that these guys feel safe here at Casa de Enchanted Seashells!

Welcome home!

I can’t resist a connection to Leon Russell. Although it’s not at all about blue birds, his song, Bluebird, is musical perfection. Sadly, I don’t think there’s a video of a live performance. https://youtu.be/Zhaq-wWykZU?si=6fegLI90ZUqI-N5q

Backyard Birding

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Enchanted Seashells

It’s been raining but I was able to snap a few pictures between storms.

In one day, Casa de Enchanted Seashells was visited by a bevy of gorgeous birds.

I don’t think I’ve seen these guys before, but I’m so happy they stopped by! They look like an Eastern Bluebird, but that’s not likely here in SoCal. I’m pretty sure they’re not a Scrub-Jay because they’re too small. Whoever you are, welcome! The rain droplets on the mulberry’s bare branches look super cool.

A bunch of yellow finches love to eat the sumac seeds.

I didn’t post the video, but this guy was calling out to his mate, and he’s VERY loud!

Mother Nature’s Green Screen

Posted on May 29, 2021 by Enchanted Seashells

This elusive Scott’s Oriole has been taunting me for years, sitting in one spot for great lengths of time ONLY when I don’t have a camera near me, and when I do, he flits around like a hummingbird.

This time I was able to capture his beauty for a single brief moment, his yellow vibrant against the green screen of a Giant Bird of Paradise.

What a beautiful profile of a beautiful boy!

Empty Nest or Full, Mother Knows Best

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Enchanted Seashells

And just in time for Mother’s Day, a hummingbird built her nest right outside our kitchen window on the deck, on HUMMINGBIRD WIND CHIMES.

Isn’t this the craziest thing?

Do you think my little hummingbird KNOWS where she is?

It’s magical, watching her build her nest out of spider webs and feathers. I touched it and it feels like a handwoven sweater, soft but strong.

Can’t stop taking pics; look at that beautiful color.

Mommy hummy in flight.

Isn’t this amazing?

Mom doesn’t mind when I walk back and forth or get up close and personal for pics, but she’s so protective of her nest when another bird flies into her personal space.An egg!! There are supposed to be two; waiting for the next one!