There are three scrub jays in the United States, the Western scrub jay, the Florida scrub jay and the island scrub jay. Both the Florida and the Island inhabit a very small region of the country (especially the island scrub jay which exists only on the island of Santa Cruz in the Channel Islands — the smallest range of any bird in the US). I’ve yet to be to Santa Cruz Island so that scrub jay will have to wait for another day. The Western scrub jay above was photographed in the Santa Monica Mountains last year, while the Florida scrub jay (which also has a very small range limited to central Florida) was photographed on Merritt Island. The Florida scrub jay is a threatened species due to loss of its scrub habitat and they are closely monitored, as evidenced by the band on the bird’s lower leg. Top Photo — Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/320th of a second
Bottom Photo — Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second
Sean, the Western scrub jay pictured above appears much more brilliant and with a deeper blue than Western scrub jays I have seen in the Bay Area of California. Both birds pictured in your post are beautiful. In Humboldt County I have seen only Stellar jays, though I am sure there are Western scrub jays around. The one thing constant with Western scrub and Stellar jays is their rather loud vocalizations. They are not afraid to speak up! Is this true also with the Florida scrub jays?
graet pic.I like scrub blue jay, they tend chase, the cats a lot around here like the mocking birds due, they fly down peck at cat fly off, the poor cat tend hide all day and only comes out nite now that is getting older.
Only THREE Scub jays in the whole of the United States of A? You mean there are none in Utah, or California or any of the other States and Territories? Sorry, just my sense of humour……i am always delighted with your photographs and look forward everyday to see what you have “shot”.
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Sean, the Western scrub jay pictured above appears much more brilliant and with a deeper blue than Western scrub jays I have seen in the Bay Area of California. Both birds pictured in your post are beautiful. In Humboldt County I have seen only Stellar jays, though I am sure there are Western scrub jays around. The one thing constant with Western scrub and Stellar jays is their rather loud vocalizations. They are not afraid to speak up! Is this true also with the Florida scrub jays?
graet pic.I like scrub blue jay, they tend chase, the cats a lot around here like the mocking birds due, they fly down peck at cat fly off, the poor cat tend hide all day and only comes out nite now that is getting older.
—– Burden blue can be
—– Feather flaunted in the brush
—– Attitude betrays .
Sean, right now you could get some great shots of the “not-so-elusive” Florida Snowbird.
Only THREE Scub jays in the whole of the United States of A? You mean there are none in Utah, or California or any of the other States and Territories? Sorry, just my sense of humour……i am always delighted with your photographs and look forward everyday to see what you have “shot”.
Beautiful images!
You know I’m not a big bird fan. But I must say, this one’s a beaut!
I’ve only seen the Western Scrub-Jay, which is a favorite of mine and a year-round resident where I live. Nice photos of both.
Limited to central Florida must be why I have never seen one in SW Florida, beautiful colors I will be on the look out for one