[EBB Sightings] first of the southern Red Breasted Sapsuckers & odd jay behavior

The first of the season Southern Red-Breasted Sapsucker appeared this
morning. In 07, they came on Oct 30 but in 08, I did not see one until mid
December. She (probably--had a bit more white showing on the head) was
working an old almond tree and perhaps that is why I do not see them
frequently--probably little sap in this old tree. 

Does anyone know why scrub jays would dive/hop up and down/fly quickly over
a 5-8 foot radius in the top of an old almond tree and then repeat several
times? Around 6 have been doing this regularly (about two at a time then
more come and perch) for about a month now. They then fly to a nearby oak
and later return. I have never seen this many jays at once so close to the
house for such long periods. It seems to scare other birds away. This was
started before I hung any bird food for the season and the suet and seeds
have cages so the jays cannot get at the food.

I have also seen fewer birds at the feeders than usual and almost none on
the suet--perhaps the warmer weather?

Idell Weydemeyer in El Sobrante
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