The Island Scrub Jay is a species only found on California's Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Unlike many island species who become smaller relative to their mainland counterparts, these jays are actually one-third larger than the California Scrub Jay, and are colored a darker and more vibrant blue. This particular jay is a juvenile, if you look closely you can see its gape flange has not yet been lost. Its hood will turn from black to blue as it ages. The jay visited me in my campsite, and then led me to this beautiful mossy tree bathed in the light of sunset, a shooting situation I would have missed if not informed by the bird. It was extremely comfortable with my presence, and in fact was outright curious about what I was doing with the camera. June 2023.