Clark's Nutcracker

I have been scolded on more than one occasion by a Clark's Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana.   This species likes to complain about intruders into its territory, perhaps concerned that I might steal a pinecone or two (which I am not entirely above doing on occasion).  They are related to crows and jays, which explains a little about their loud voices.  Today, I definitely heard the birds before I saw any.

Clark's Nutcrackers live throughout the west, but do not feel the need to migrate to more temperate locales.  They cache their store of nuts and are content to stay, seeming to like the ponderosa and limber pines and douglas firs of the region.

Clark's Nutcrackers have been shown to have very good memories, like other jays, remembering their secret stashes of seeds for many months.  And, if they should happen to forget a hidey hole, they just may have planted a new tree!

Although vocally critical of humans, these birds are not necessarily selfish.  The male even helps to incubate the eggs, unlike other species of jays where the male doesn't take his turn on the nest.  But, just like other jays, they are opportunistic and will eat any tasty tidbit they find, even if that means stealing it from a campground.  In such cases, their loud calls might just be complaints about the menu.

Full disclosure:  these photos were not taken locally nor today.  The nutcrackers today did not feel like posing for pictures.  These pictures were taken at Mt. Rainier, WA, hence the spruce tree perch (not a local Wyoming tree, for you observant readers).