A few of us went to Oscar Sherer State Park to find the Scrub Jays, which are a protected species, and are found in a few places in south Florida. It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining. The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay.
As the state’s human population has grown, development has increased and the scrub-jays’ choice habitat has become more limited. They don't roam very far from their chosen area.
When a scrub jay puffs and shakes its feathers, it is essentially a form of grooming or preening; this behavior is often observed when a bird feels comfortable and relaxed in its surroundings and is sometimes called "rousing".
They often come out of the bushes when they hear voices, more so at this location than at more secluded areas. Unfortunately, I think that visitors feed them, and we have seen peanuts on the ground. As omnivores, they benefit nutritionally from high protein peanuts, at least in moderation, but there’s evidence that supplemental food availability at times of year when natural food is low may affect the timing of their breeding cycle so it’s not in sync with when the optimal seasonal animal protein??”insects, lizards, etc.??”is available to feed their nestlings.
Nikon D500, 300 PF, auto ISO, SS 1/1000, finished in Lightroom
7 comments posted
Leslie Larson
Great shot of the jay. Colors good, lighting good, focus good, position of the bird good. If it were mine I would clone out the messy snarl of plants at the bottom. Too bad it had bands on both legs. Sort of detracts from the wild aspect, but not much you can do about that. Posted: 02/08/2025 23:33:12
Judy Haran
These birds live in small family groups. There are 3-5 "groups" at this park and they don't intermix. This is the "blue" family, so one of the blue bands is for that. I forget what the other bands mean. They are lured into a cage and banded by FWC. Each family sticks to their section of the scrub bush in the park. Posted: 02/09/2025 03:28:52
Leslie Larson
Interesting that they don't intermix being so close to each other. They can fly after all. We have lots of the western scrub jays which look very similar, but they are definitely not endangered.
Thanks for the info. Posted: 02/09/2025 04:05:17
Gwen Callas-Miller
I tried several times to get a photo of a scrub jay. Great shot and the info you provided is very interesting. Love the bokeh. I agree with Leslie, suggest removing some of the extra "scrub" at the bottom and maybe cropping down from the top just a little. Posted: 02/11/2025 17:55:03
John Stumbos
I like this shot, Judy, and I really appreciate the background you provided. Human encroachment into wildlife habitat has adversely affected many species. I was a little surprised, though, since California, at least the Central Valley, has a lot of scrub jays--an evolutionary cousin, though. In fact, they are the most abundant bird in my backyard. I will have a new appreciation for them now. Nice composition with good DOF. Appreciate the ruffled "rousing" feather moment. The only distracting part is the dried up vine going across the feathers mid-bird. Not much you can do about that. I don't mind that this bird was banded. In fact, that adds another element to the story. It's probably been banded by your local wildlife agency for the reasons you cited in your explanation--they are a protected species. That adds context. Great job! Posted: 02/11/2025 20:34:02
Sherry Icardi
Now I'm seriously jealous! I have wanted to go to Jonathan Dickenson State Park to capture some shots of the Scrub Jays, still haven't made it! Really appreciated your information about them. And very sad about the feeding. I noticed that here at a specific park that frequently has nesting Owls and woodpeckers. They put peanuts all over the ground to attract them. Probably the worst thing we can do for any wild animal.
Beautiful shot, and bird. I would most likely have tried to use the eraser in PS to get rid of a few of the branches, just because it make the image very cluttered, but that is my "neatness" showing through. The bird his clean and sharp! Beautiful
Posted: 02/13/2025 17:54:14
Sarita Yeola
Hi Judy,
This is a beautiful shot of the Florida Scrub Jay and tells a great story. Very interesting to know the families don't inter-mix.
I like that you caught the bird while preening, showing the details in the feathers. The twigs don't bother me as much since they show the habitat. If you were to remove some, I would remove the once that are not in focus.
Posted: 02/20/2025 21:07:35
