We finished out the year with Hike #163! And it was actually a trail we had never been on before. We named it Scrub-Jay Way!
Florida Scrub-Jay
Do you think I could park any closer to the forest? lol
Through the back opening (near 49th Ave trailhead) and into the scrub.
We saw a few at the beginning of the trail but then saw a dozen or more in the back loop.
It was amazing to see so many flying from tree to tree and not overly concerned about us standing there taking photos!
Very cool to see the bands on their legs. (Phil!!!)
This orange band really stands out!
Walk this way!
You can see how tall the scrub is and it's the perfect habitat for these Florida Scrub-Jays that are endemic to Florida. There aren't many populations left here either. They are on the endangered list.
The other surprise was the Rufous-sided Towhees.
We hear them on just about every hike but they are elusive and stay hidden.
These were interacting with the Scrub-Jays.
We saw a few Flycatchers and some Warblers too but the Scrub-Jays were the best sighting and a perfect way to end the year.
Maybe I should take driving lessons this year! hahahahaha!!!
(NO trees were injured in the parking of this vehicle!)
I hope this New Year brings us all good health and prosperity
and some time in nature to soothe the soul.
59 comments:
...there's nothing scrubby about this handsome fellow!
Hello,
I would love to hike your Scrub-Jay Way, what a great outing. Love those pretty Jays and the Towhee. Beautiful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Nice pics of the scrub jay! A walk is always relaxing and brings us chose to nature.
Y'all have been in my thoughts.
Congratulations 163!
If you parked a bit to the left, it looks like the Jeep will fit closer. :)
The walking scrub jay is precious.
walk this way is my favorite today. I have never seen one here, and they are truly beautiful, I assume they get their name because you found a whole flock in the scrubs
Your vehicle has a great safari vibe in which to travel to all those wonderful birding trails. :)
What a cute bird with an interesting name, Scrub-Jay. :)
A superb outing, indeed! Any day a Scrub Jay is sighted is a good day.
Just for the record, there is no such thing as parking too close to the forest.
There are occasional efforts to have the Florida Scrub Jay replace the Northern Mockingbird as Florida's state bird. I'd vote for it. After all, it is endemic to Florida and even has "Florida" already in its name!
Heading outdoors now. Life is good.
That looks like a great trail to explore slowly. And there's no one else there, even better. Nice species you saw Diane. But, please drive carefully and don't damage my jeep.
Scrub Jays are very handsome birds and so different from the jays in my corner. I see nothing worrisome about your parking. You were doing the wise thing of getting well off the road. Keep hiking while the weather is perfect for it.
Great photos!
Have a blessed day!
The jays are such a bright blue, aren't they! We gave Eastern Towhees around here, but I'm unfamiliar with the one you posted. Have a lovely weekend!
I have never seen a Scrub Jay. they are wonderful and their tails look so long.
A trail you had never hiked before?!!! How can that be?? Thanks for sharing your pictures and adventures. A most happy New Year to you!
Beautiful birds and photos! The Scrub-Jays was very pretty!
Such great sightings! I love the scrub jay.
the scrub jays are so beautiful, silky, satin looking!! the jeep looks so pretty parked against the trees, the red against green looks great!! i had a towheed in my yard once, it was a thrill to see it!!
it's nice that your husband enjoys walking with you!! enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
Great sightings! I love the one with the food in the mouth.
Scrub jays look so amazing!
the Scrub Jay is a cool bird. This was a fun ramble Thank you
You are always seeing things like birds and such that I have never seen. Maybe I need come join you on one of your hike. NOT. I'm so lazy. But, I have an excuse hehe
Lovely critters you discovered along your trail.
Happy New Year!
What beautiful birds the scrub jays are.
What beautiful birds those scrub jays are.
Hi Diane!
Happy New Year!
I love the pretty birds you saw on this trail. It looks like a nice place to keep revisiting and enjoying.
Wow! What a great hike ~ love all the blue jays and other feathered friends too ~ great series of photos ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Scrub Jay is an enigmatic, appealing and interesting bird by any measure. I have spent many happy hours with them, and with a little patience they will take a peanut from your hand.
You got some really great photos!! AND, a new place to hike this year! Love your jeep!! Happy Hiking!!
Oh my, what a pretty bird. I love their blue color. What a great hike that was.
The Scrub Jay looks like an impressive bird, and so many.
Nice pictures of the scrub jay.
Walking in nature is really great.
Greetings Irma
Wonderful shots of Scrub Jays with the stylish rings. Yes, the rings reminded me of Phil. The second pic of Rufous-sided Towhees is my favorite today. Happy new year!
Two special birds I don't see here!! The towhee and scrub jay (I really liked the "walk this way" image!!)
Thank you for taking time from your day to share & link up at IRBB this weekend
Me encantó tu caminata, con esos pájaros tan preciosos, el azul me gusta muchísimo. Te deseo también un feliz año para ti y tu familia y que sigas disfrutando de bonitos pasos. Abrazos.
All so beautiful captures!
Nice truck!!
I'm not familiear with scrub jays so I learned something today. I also see why they are called that. I love the other birds you id'd as well.
Hi Diane, Greetings from cold, wet Seattle! 😊 I enjoyed your post and thanks for sharing all the neat bird photos. The Florida Scrub-Jay is a pretty bird! I is interesting to see how many of your birds were banded. I got a kick out of your parking spot. I especially like that level of traffic & parking availability! 😊 Quick observation for you: As I was enjoying the photos and scrolling down the page, I started noticing the “Posting Labels” in the left column. Wow, there must be over 1000 of them! I clicked on just one of them to see what happens. Up comes all your posts with that word. Extremely nice addition to the blog allowing you to find things easily. I’m going to see if I can figure out how to put that on John’s Island. 😊 Thanks for sharing your blog and for your kind comments on mine. John
All lovely photographs you've shared, the Florida Scrub-Jays are very colourful.
Have a good new week.
All the best Jan
The Scrub-Jays are delightful. I have never seen one.
In awe of your hiking and so appreciative of all of your photos. Happy and healthy!
Wow that's a lot of hiking, incredible. You got some great bird pictures.
I've never heard of a scrub-jay. They are beautiful. It looks like you had a wonderful place to walk. I love your Jeep and your parking looks perfect, when I compare it to the way I park.
Thanks for visiting my blog too. I ordered my MudLOVE bracelets through Amazon and as we have Prime, there was no shipping charge. They still come from MudLOVE but through Amazon. Don't know how that works, but it did. Hope you get some and that you enjoy them as much as I do.
You and your husband went on so many hikes last year. I enjoyed looking at the pretty birds you saw on your hike. I hope you have a nice week Diane.
Ha, NO TREES were injured in the parking of this vehicle. Ha Ha!
The Scrub-Jay is beautiful!!!!
This is an interesting hike--The scrub jay is such a pretty color! The weather looks delightful there now. We have had cooler temperatures than normal but glad for all the moisture still on the hills. Today I saw about 6 squirrels chasing each other around my backyard--they made me laugh with their antics!
I never seen "Florida Scrub-Jay".... very beautiful
The Florida Scrub-Jay are magic, love the way in flying.
Scrub-Jay is a cute bird. It sounds like another exciting hike. All the photos are beautiful...
Love the pics! Those jays are a beautiful color blue. I've never seen anything like them in South Florida.
Such a fascinating hike, Diane!
Love the photos of the scrub jay.
Yes, it's wonderful there, Diana. I enjoyed step by step, picture by picture your Post.
Thank you ❤️ for sharing on MosaicMonday... many hugs by Heidrun
Yes, it's wonderful there, Diana. I enjoyed step by step, picture by picture your Post.
Thank you ❤️ for sharing on MosaicMonday... many hugs by Heidrun
how nice to see the Jay. It reminded me of my traveling days. :)
The Scrub-Jays are so pretty. And they don't seem to be bothered at all when we get close to them. I used to see them almost every time at the trail, and got so close to them to take pics. I think they were just interested in the nibbles of food that I would throw them from time to time. So, I'm just wondering about those orange bands on their little feet and who put them there. I love the photo where he is walking the trail, so cute. Your jeep really stands out near the trail, and makes it easier to know where you parked. Great pictures, Diane.
~Sheri
Cool photos of the scrub jays!
I'd love a wander along Scrub Jay Way. What incredible birds I've never seen them before and love their colours.
Happy New Year to you.
Wren x
What gorgeous pictures! What a great start to the new year! Thank you so much for sharing.
I am so glad I found your blog on Blogger. I thought I was the only one left blogging about nature and gardening. I am book marking your page so I can come back and read more. The park you share looks great too - hubby and I may just have to go on a road trip in the RV soon to check it out.
Happy New Year - Bren Haas
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