Every year, volunteers assist the biologists all over the state of Florida in trying to count Florida Scrub Jay populations in all of their known habitats. This year I once again helped out at the Lake Monroe Conservation Area between Sanford and Osteen.
It is performed every year after the Jay chicks are out of the nests so counts can be done of any new birds entering the population. I didn't get as many shots as in past years but still managed to get a few interesting photos.
The main family group we observed on both days was very evident and the juveniles often popped up to see what these humans were doing in their house. In this shot, an adult puts itself in between me and the baby.
Rules state that we cannot call up Jay when predators are about and there are plenty at some times. Such as the Swallow-tail Kites that take wing once the thermals pick up.
Standing in designated spots playing Jay recordings also lends one to view other wildlife such as the resident Six-lined Racers chasing ants under the brush.
Our second day found us chasing the same family by the end of the day. They were all confined to one small area and seemed to prefer the viewing from this one large pine tree by the road. Here is one of the juveniles.
From time to time, the young birds would fly over to this dead tree in the scrub. The open mouths were due to the heat and the birds were not actually calling at the time.
Our main focus was trying to record birds already banded to gauge their movements. Lack of bands, besides birds in juvenile plumage, would reveal new birds either added to the family or new additions. The color combination on this adult are only on this particular female of the family.
Note the differences of color on the nape of these birds. The adult is blue while the juvenile is grey.
Always a joy to help out and see these remarkable birds. Though the days are grueling, it is good to head out knowing we are helping our endemic bird species. I have been participating for 3 years and will be back again in years to come.
