First, it should be noted that all FL Scrub-Jays are not so tame. The further you get away from human population centers the less tame they are. I have been way back in the brush where the scrub jay is very cautious and absolutely will not come close to you. They more-or-less ignore you. For… Continue reading Why Are FL Scrub Jays So Tame Around Humans?
Category: Scrub Jay
Scrub-Jays in a Panic
Sometimes you enter into the scrub-jay territory and you can instantly hear that something is going on. You hear a few alarm calls off in the distance. Then you hear the territorial “pish pish” alarm type call they make. Something has got them spooked. In fact, the way I found out that there were bobcats… Continue reading Scrub-Jays in a Panic
Recent Notes from the Field
When I am studying Florida scrub jays in the field I will sometimes bring my phone with me to snap a quick photo or even to take field notes. This post is a gathering of the notes I’ve taken over the last several months. I do not in any way think these behaviors are exclusive… Continue reading Recent Notes from the Field
FL Scrub-Jay’s Interaction with Other Bird Species
There is typically a hierarchy which exists among animal species. For instance, the larger more aggressive breed of dog will typically end up ruling wild packs. I am no zoologist so I do not pretend to be an expert on this subject. But I can tell you what I have examined about the scrub-jay of… Continue reading FL Scrub-Jay’s Interaction with Other Bird Species
Amazing Food Management
The Florida Scrub Jay has survived for millions of years by being aware of predators, by controlling its small territory and by being resourceful. Like most birds, the scrub-jay will stash food for later. But the complexity of how it stashes and manages this food is astounding. Scrub-jays will have thousands of locations where they… Continue reading Amazing Food Management
Then and Now
Its no secret to even the most casual fan of the Florida Scrub Jay that the species is in fact rare and endangered. The fact that the bird used to be literally everywhere is Central Florida and through much of South Florida astounds newer birders. The actual numbers are quite astounding. In the last 100… Continue reading Then and Now
Florida Scrub Jay Territory
Most Florida Scrub-Jays never wonder too far from where they hatched. They are thought to travel no more than a mile from that spot during their entire lifetime. There are exceptions to this however. If a bird is displaced by some emergency it can find itself far outside of this one mile radius. In fact,… Continue reading Florida Scrub Jay Territory
Can You Feed Scrub Jays?
You are not supposed to feed scrub-jays for a few reasons. 1) It can cause them to reproduce early, throwing off their natural cycle. 2) People often try to feed animals foods which are actually bad for them. Scrub–jays have a very particular diet. 3) It can cause an imbalance in their diet. 4) They… Continue reading Can You Feed Scrub Jays?
2 Million Years
That is how long scrub-jays have been in Florida. The scientific community believes they made their way over here from the west coast of North America about 2 millions years ago. At that time, the Gulf of Mexico wasn’t totally filled with water yet so creatures and plants made their way across the vast stretches… Continue reading 2 Million Years
Scrub-Jay Fledgling
Baby scrub-jays leave the nest at about three weeks. They are still very small and fragile but they can fly. Unlike many other birds they do not fly off into the wild blue yonder away from the area where they fledged. They actually stick around. Parents and helper birds in the family unit keep them… Continue reading Scrub-Jay Fledgling