Can it be possible Bullock’s Oriole is more bad ass than a California scrub jay?

Before the orioles arrived I put out my new oriole feeder in anticipation. I was dismayed to see scrub jays feeding from it and especially as they were darting in and out of the honeysuckle where my hummingbirds hang out. I tried to shoo them away but as with the yellow jackets that overwhelmed my hummer feeder last year I had to take a deep breath and let nature be, finally giving up and removing the feeders.

The orioles showed up right on schedule. I hear them before I see them and it’s always fun to realize my birder’s ear is keen, for some birds anyway. They were trying to eat from my new hummer feeders that are wasp proof but the openings are also too small for the orioles. I ended up putting up my old feeders just so the orioles wouldn’t go away while they figured out the new oriole feeder. Try to keep up here.

Well you know what? I haven’t seen any scrub jays since the orioles arrived. It seems too good to be true. I want to clarify that scrub jays, when they live outside the city, are beautiful birds as most jays are, but they are such marauders. Speaking of marauders don’t get me started on the crows that make a stop in our neighborhood every morning. They get the full on old lady swinging a broom treatment from me after they widowed a dove who was nesting on our eaves last year. 2020 was a tough year not only for us but apparently for all peace loving birdies in and around my home!

As usual I’ve veered off topic, but I’m wondering if the bright yellow orange of the orioles is enough to tell the scrub jays “danger danger Will Robinson” and they’ve moved on to safer and more welcoming environment.