Last time we traveled to Merritt Island NWR, I went to some of the usual locations where we’ve seen Florida Scrub Jays in the past. I was about to give up when I decided to try one more very likely spot, the Scrub Ridge Trail.
I walked half-way around the 1-mile loop without seeing or hearing a sign of any Jays. Walking slowly, I thought I heard something as I neared the turn. Florida Scrub Jays can be very vocal, as you can hear here: All About Birds.
Sure enough, as I went around the corner, I nearly bumped into a Scrub Jay sitting right in front of me, rocking quietly on a little branch. The chubby little bird didn’t move a muscle, even when I approached to within less than 3 feet. Such a treat to be in its presence!
Birder's Journey 
A very cool and different kind of jay. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank YOU, Berny. They ARE always a treat to find, aren’t they?!
LikeLike
Congratulations. That bird is so people-friendly. I wonder if that is why it’s becoming scarce.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm… I wonder too. Here’s a link to the May 2021 Scrub Jay Festival that I just found out about – maybe it contains some current information on that question:
LikeLike
That is amazing! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was just a joy to hang out there alone on the trail with this totally fearless Scrub Jay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet it was. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That may be the only place I have ever seen any 😃. I guess this shot makes you the official ‘Scrub Whisperer’ 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, Thank you! I certainly hope I can continue to supply Scrub Jay photos in the future!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re beautiful images of this Scrub Jay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so kind, Deborah. I love seeing them, but am never really satisfied with my own photos! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can relate to that! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
While being in Florida on countless occasions, I’ve never seen a Scrub Jay. Maybe the next time…
Great photo and video. Thanks, Carol. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, HJ! I do hope that you get to see a Florida Scrub Jay on a future visit. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful find BJ, and so co operative too ! I don’t think I’ve seen one of these before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, AB. Yes, The Jay and I were both in the right place at the right time and he just hung out with me so pleasantly!☺️
LikeLike
Great birds with terrific personalities!
What a wonderful encounter you had!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true – They do have terrific personalities, don’t they, Wally?!
I really enjoyed bumping into this Scrub Jay, just when I had almost given up hope of finding one that day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful photos! Thanks for the introduction. A new bird to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get to see one someday, Belinda!
‘It is the only species of bird endemic to the U.S. state of Florida and one of only 15 species endemic to the continental United States.’
(Wikipedia)☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful – you must be so glad that you continued your search! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so right, Ann – I felt sure that a Scrub Jay would appear if I was just persistent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And as if by magic… it did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Donna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
6 Blue Jays visited this morning, very noisy and active, not agressive to other species.
LikeLike