We are so fortunate to have these beautiful birds at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.
We can usually count on seeing the Florida Scrub-jays at the HTP trail entrance on Hwy 200.
It's the state's only endemic bird, which means the Florida Scrub-jay is found nowhere else. It does not migrate and lives it's entire life cycle here in Florida and requires a sandy scrub to survive. It is federally listed as threatened and there are estimated to be between 7,700 and 9,000 birds in existence.
How exciting to see a small flock this week when I hiked. I had stopped to zoom in on something ahead when one of them flew out of the scrub onto the sandy spot nearby. I froze and just turned my camera to get some good photos.
As soon as I started walking they flew and when I turned to walk back to the car, I didn't even spot them again.
I did see some of the areas where the preserve has cleared the undergrowth to provide habitat for them.
So that was my excitement for this week.
And when you see a track in the sand THIS BIG,
you're ready to turn back and head for the car! lol
Discover the Florida Scrub-jay
More info at the Florida State Parks HERE!
43 comments:
I did not know about the scrub jay and flordia and as far as I know have never seen one.. maybe I did and thought it was a blue jay.. beautiful photos of a beautiful bird
They are beautiful birds. You captured them wonderfully!
...it doesn't look shruby to me!
Hello,
The Florida Scrub Jay is a beauty! You have some awesome photos too.
I was happy to see the Scrub Jay in a few places during our Florida visits. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend! PS, thank you for the comment.
What a pretty bird. And I learned something about Florida's own special jay.
I love the sweet little Scrub-jays, so pretty! Great captures Diane. Have a fantastic weekend :)
To read of the history and of the lifestyle of the Florida Scrub is a lesson in ornithology. I have great fascination with and affection for this species, and very happy memories of time spent in its company.
Well? What was the scary footprint caused by? I need to know if I see one in my garden here in Tennessee. I will be checking back to read the comments to see if anyone else recognizes it.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
They are so cute!
Those scrubbers are just gorgeous! What a treat to see them! Happy weekend!
Hello Diane,:=) The beautiful shade of blue of the Scrub-Jays is stunning. What a lovely bird it is, and you managed to get some awesome captures. Thanks also for the info.
That Scrub Jay is a super looking bird. Lovely post.
I love the Florida Scrub Jay. We used to see them in an area near where we lived in Salt Springs...the same place where we would go to cut our Christmas trees in the National Forest (with a permit, of course!) . They are elusive and hard to find, but when you do get a look at them you are hooked! You want to find more...but they definitely only like the scrub areas. Thank you for sharing these great pictures with us. I'd say you were blessed!!
Great capture and such beautiful blue feathers! Yep... time to leave when you see a print like that! Thanks for taking us along!
I don't think I've ver seen the Florida scrub jay before....and I think I would've remembered: such a pretty blue!
What a lovely Blue Bird! I have not seen any birds here for a while now. On the way back from an errand, we did see one of the Wild Turkeys on the road. I love to see wildlife here. Most of what I see are Dog walkers and an occasional cat! Love, Aunt Helen
That Florida Scrub-jay becomes nearly invisible against the blue of the sky! He's a pretty boy!
A bobcat print, perhaps? I wouldn't want to stick around to find out either. Such pretty pictures!! ~Andrea xoxo
Un pájaro precioso, me encantaría verlo. Besos.
What a pretty bird!
Scary tracks!
What a gorgeous bird, and so are your photos.
Great pictures of the scrub jay. Yes, it is time to leave when you see that footprint!!!
Great pictures -- oh, I just said the same as the Sandy above me in the comments. So it must be true. Your scrub jay doesn't look too different from ours. Are they noisy too?
That is a great looking bird!
What a gorgeous bird...and I would run back to the car if I saw that track....! Thanks so much for sharing your state's treasure. How fun to find one...! Hugs, Sandi
The scrub jay is beautiful!
You are fortunate, as it is a wonderful bird!
It is very worrying when an endemic species has so few examples left. It's good to see that habitat is preserved for the species. It would be a tragedy if Florida were to lose these beautiful birds. Sorry Diane, I accidentally deleted your comment to my blog. One click on an Android phone and it's gone.
...and an extraordinary beauty!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at IRBB this week.
What bright bright colours!! Looks like they have just been painted on him! Beautiful bird! I presume those colours are only on the male? Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos. Enjoy your treks Amanda x
Very sweet bird! I'd not heard of it.
We have a local bobcat, surprisingly. Who knew?
Beautiful bird!
Have a blessed day!
Amazing photos as always! Thank you and have a grand week!
What an incredible blue bird and gorgeous photography!
Moment by moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I've never seen the scrub jay in person. It is such a beautiful bird. You are so lucky to be able to photograph it. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.
What a pretty bird!
What a pretty bird that is. How fortunate that they live in your area. So what was that huge track from? I would have gotten out of there too.
such a beautiful bird, your images are so pretty!! there appearance is so different than our blue jay!! you are very fortunate to have such a nice trail to walk on!!
Diane, oh what a beautiful bird! I love that shade of blue. I wish that they would travel up north to visit me!
This bird is beautiful. The footprint looks big and scary. Glad you didn't get to meet the owner of the footprint.
I have yet to see a Florida Scrub Jay, but they sure do look like the ones we have here in Oregon. Spotting a Florida one is my top goal for (hopefully) next season!
Beautiful set of photos of a beautiful bird. Haha, yes that track would send me looking for safety!!
Keep safe, Diane
This is a magnificent bird. I used to see them all the time in the area I grew up at. He's such a pretty blue. Oh my, I wonder what that BIG claw track was.
Have a good rest of the week, my friend.
~Sheri
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