"DEAR GARY: Steller's jays are more than a little bit devious, using their ability to mimic hawk calls to gain an advantage over a food source. They trick other birds and squirrels into thinking a hawk is prowling the area. The frightened animals seek cover and leave the jays to eat their fill in peace. DEAR JOAN: We've had hummingbird feeders for several years now and always had a small group of four to five Anna's hummers as regular visitors."
"If all the visiting hummers are Anna's hummingbirds, chances are good that reviews on CHIRP, the avian equivalent of YELP, have given your feeders five stars. Hummers will take advantage of most nectar that's offered, but when the food and ambiance (clean feeders and no predators) are to their liking, word does get around. Anna's hummers are permanent residents in the Bay Area, but other hummers migrate through the state, some starting as early as July and August,"
Steller's jays mimic hawk cries to intimidate other birds and mammals, causing them to flee so the jays can access food unmolested. Hummingbird feeder activity can surge when resident Anna's hummingbirds and migrating species converge; clean feeders and absence of predators increase attractiveness and encourage repeated visits, sometimes requiring daily refilling. Anna's hummingbirds remain in the Bay Area year-round, while other hummingbird species migrate through California as early as July and August and feed heavily before departure. Dogs can develop persistent comfort behaviors, such as playing with and sucking stuffed toys, that continue from puppyhood into old age.
Read at The Mercury News
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