[obol] Western Scrub Jay, Norther Flicker and Song Sparrow Behavior

[sandyleapt at comcast.net]

Hi.  Yesterday on my walk along the Columbia River Slough I saw a flock of Western Scrub Jays.  There were at least eight, and come to think of it there were also three or four Northern Flickers.  So I immediately started looking for what they were mobbing.  Then, all of the Jays took off in one direction sort of chasing and bickering and the Flickers went a different direction.  They continued to chase and bicker until they flew out of sight.   I can only surmise this is some sort of courtship behavior, would this be young birds that do not have partners?  

There were pairs of Song Sparrows along the trail yesterday, buI also saw six or seven Song Sparrows chasing and bickering.

I have this question because the Western Scrub Jays in my garden seem to be an established pair.  They've been around for years.  Same with my Norther Flickers, my Song Sparrows and Bewick's Wrens.

Thanks

Sandy Leaptrott
NE Portland

PS:  There is a Spotted Towhee that is always with the Golden-crowned Sparrows.  I never see it with another Towhee.