If you have found this blog you are welcome to use the information anyway you see fit. This is simply a collection of my writings about the endangered Scrub Jay bird which is endemic to the state of Florida. I wanted to document all behaviors and observations, many of which I have not seen documented… Continue reading Welcome
Florida Scrub Jay Social Dynamics – Taking on a New Member
Florida Scrub Jays rarely travel farther than one mile from where they hatched. They have evolved to master a small area of territory and defend it fiercely. Most bird species migrate or otherwise live nomadic lifestyles. The Scrub Jay only leaves a home territory in cases of natural disaster or the occasional bird that decides… Continue reading Florida Scrub Jay Social Dynamics – Taking on a New Member
Juvenile Scrub Jays Growing Up
It’s been my pleasure to witness the growth of two fledgling birds from nest to not-quite adult hood the last few months. It was probably about 100 days ago I noticed two little baby Jays following two adult jays which I know very well. I was so stoked they had some babies! I kept my… Continue reading Juvenile Scrub Jays Growing Up
My Eye-Opening Conversation with AI About the Florida Scrub Jay
Just like most people, I have been using AI more and more in recent months. Tonight, I decided to ask Grok (X’s AI platform) about my favorite living creature, the FL Scrub Jay. And while the conversation started off fun and entertaining at first, it all came crashing down at the end. I first inquired… Continue reading My Eye-Opening Conversation with AI About the Florida Scrub Jay
New Juveniles in the Scrub
I rarely see new baby or juvenile scrub-jay birds in the areas I frequently walk. Maybe twice in the last ten years have I seen a new group of young birds (6 birds total in 10 years). I am happy to announce that there are a new young generation of birds in my area. From… Continue reading New Juveniles in the Scrub
FL Scrub Jay Territory
I have discussed previously in this blog how the FL Scrub-Jay typically stays within its own little area. They become masters of their small space and anytime another scrub-jay not from that little area comes into it, all hell breaks loose. These birds are very territorial. However, small evolutions do occur. The same bird couple… Continue reading FL Scrub Jay Territory
Total Cooperation – The FL Scrub Jay
I am always amazed by how well this bird cooperates within the group. They never fight with one another over food. One bird will be perched high up in a tree keeping an eye out for danger while the others work. The sentinel never peaks down to see what they are missing out on. Their… Continue reading Total Cooperation – The FL Scrub Jay
Can FL Scrub Jays be Affectionate?
As humans, we try to find connections with people and creatures living in our environment. The way humans show affection is by touching, talking and spending time. By these actions alone, I would say that Yes, a FL Scrub Jay is capable of showing a person affection. However, it is very limited. Some birds species… Continue reading Can FL Scrub Jays be Affectionate?
Beloved Florida Icon
A message from Archbold Biological Station: The charismatic Florida Scrub-Jay, with its showy movements, brilliant flashy blue color, and distinctive call, is the only species of bird found exclusively in Florida. This fascinating bird is a beloved state icon. Yet, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining, this federally threatened species needs your help! Your generous support helps Archbold… Continue reading Beloved Florida Icon
Jay Watch Program
If you live in Florida and are interested in donating your time to help count our favorite little blue bird, there is a group of people you can join. The Florida Scrub Jay is down to only 3 or 4 thousand birds in total number and it is imperative that we keep an eye on… Continue reading Jay Watch Program
Which Animals Will Cause a Scrub Jay to Alert?
picture courtesy of steph_takes_photos on IG Having sat down in the middle of wooded trail areas of Florida and having truly studied this creature, I have compiled many notes. This post is a brief explanation of what will cause a FL Scrub Jay to make an alarm call. Any type of predator bird larger than… Continue reading Which Animals Will Cause a Scrub Jay to Alert?