Another sign that fall is on its way, is the presence of acorns in the oak trees and all over my front porch. There are quite a few critters out there who enjoy the acorns when they’re available. Most notably, squirrels come to mind, but did you know that a lot of birds love acorns, too? Yesterday I watched this young eastern blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) enjoying several acorns up in one of the oak trees. First, he would find one still on a tree twig. Then he would pick it, hold it between his feet, and beat on it with his beak (very much like a woodpecker hits a tree over and over in the same spot). Once he got the shell open he enjoyed the crunchy nut inside. Then it was time to find a new nut. He seemed to be really enjoying himself and watching pieces of acorn shell and nut fly during the breaking process was definitely interesting.