I’ve often said to people close to me that the Florida Scrub Jay is a gauge of sorts when it comes to the human race. I believe if we cannot save this species of bird then perhaps we don’t deserve to live on this planet. It is my belief that we have had plenty of… Continue reading Donate the Help Our Little Blue Friends
Florida Scrub Jay Audible Sounds
I have found in my time being with the Florida Scrub Jay that it has three levels of sound. By that I mean it has three volumes of sound. Those sound levels consist of: Super soft little chirps – They make these tiny sounds when they are in close proximity to one another. It is… Continue reading Florida Scrub Jay Audible Sounds
Why Are FL Scrub Jays So Tame Around Humans?
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?
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?