Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Florida Scrub-Jay

I recently made a special trip to see some Florida Scrub-Jays (lifer birds for me), which turned out to be one of the most fun birding experiences I've had. These birds are so charismatic and captivating!

Florida Scrub-Jay

The jays are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss caused by human development and fire suppression. They are extremely particular about their environment, which consists of scrubby oak and vegetation no taller than six or seven feet. When the trees grow too tall and dense, the birds can no longer live there. Biologists have learned to manage the jays' habitat with periodic controlled fires to keep the brush down.

Florida Scrub-Jay

These birds are very social and live in family groups. I visited a couple of reserves where the families were closely monitored and every individual was known.

Florida Scrub-Jay

As I knew the jays are a sensitive species, I took care to be very quiet and tried not to cause any disturbance when I entered their territory. I was worried I might not see any as the weather wasn't that great, but little did I know that they would find me.

Florida Scrub-Jay

As it started to rain, I got out a plastic bag to cover my camera. The sound of a crinkling plastic bag is the universal alert for humans with food.  I did not have any food, and I was definitely not going to offer up any snacks (never feed wildlife!), but the birds obviously recognized that sound and sought me out immediately.

This is the look of How dare you not bring me peanuts?!?

Florida Scrub-Jay

The adult birds were all banded and were anything but shy.

Florida Scrub-Jay

This one talked—or scolded—me for several minutes. Their calls are similar to our local Blue Jays, but not as harsh and have a more melodic question-like inflection. You can listen to one here.

Florida Scrub-Jay

And, these birds are beautiful - they are blue on their heads, back, wings, and tail, with a little blue "necklace" on a soft white throat and chest. The blue feathers have a subtle shimmer.

Florida Scrub-Jay

Florida Scrub-Jay

The bird pictured above is presumably a youngster who has not been banded yet. It hung out on a trail with a companion, who was also unbanded, and followed this armadillo around as it dug up tasty treasures in the sand.

Armadillo

If you ever have the opportunity to meet these birds, definitely do it. They are like no other.

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