August 1, 2022

This photograph was taken

Just a few days after a wild fire

But do not despair, it's not a bad thing

For many species, fire's required*

Note all of the green in the photo

This is new plants already coming back up

The Scrub Jays who live here safely left and came back

To feast on the insects who, post-fire,  erupt!

* Special thanks to Sammy McGee for introducing me to the term "fire required". Please make sure you click the link for a great article that describes the benefits of fire. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/pinellas/natural-resources/The-Benefits-of-Fire.pdf

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 20, 2021

This is what Scrub Jay poop looks like

I'm sure it's something you've always wanted to know.

I poked it with a stick, for science, yeah, that's it!

But when a Jay's gotta go, he's gotta go. 

(I really did poke the poop with a stick - it was from a bird who is having a health issue, and when I saw him poop, I was curious as it looked weird. It was surprisingly rubbery. I need to find out if that is normal. I thought it would be kind of liquid like what they do on my windshield at inopportune times.)

Location: Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Florida_Scrub-Jay/overview

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Dee at 8 a.m. Presents: Ask David Simpson a Birding Question: Episode 4: What is an Endemic Bird?

In our fourth episode of Ask David a Birding Question, we bring you: What is an endemic bird?

Enjoy! And, if you would like to ask a question either post a comment here or send mail to Dee directly. We look forward to your questions.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

May 5, 2019

Location: Sebastian, Friendship Park

I am a Florida Scrub Jay
You can see on my ankles that I am banded.
That doesn't mean that I committed a crime
Scientists just want to know where I've landed.

Sources: What to Do if You Spot a Banded Bird

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 8, 2018

Location: Sebastian, North Sebastian Conservation Area

I am a Florida Scrub Jay
It's unnatural for me to be this friendly.
I should be shy and fly away,
But someone has been feeding me.

Sources: When It's Ok (Or Not) To Feed Birds

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 7, 2018

Location: Sebastian, North Sebastian Conservation Area

I'm a banded Florida Scrub Jay
You can see the green band above my foot.
This is how scientists track me
To make sure I've not gone kaput.

Sources: Florida Scrub Jay Banding


Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 16, 2018

Location: Malabar, Malabar Scrub

I am a Florida Scrub Jay
This is my acorn and you can't have it.
I'm gonna bury it to eat it later
I hope I remember where I stash it!

Sources: Cornell Lab - Florida Scrub Jay

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 1 2017

Location: Rockledge, Cruickshank Sanctuary

I'm a Florida Scrub Jay
It's easy to take good pictures of me.
Unfortunately this is a bad thing;
I'm used to people feeding me treats.

Feeding endangered species like me
Is illegal and bad for my health.
It can not only disrupt my breeding cycle,
It can also endanger your wealth.

(Feeding endangered species is prohibited in Florida.)

Sources: Wikipedia - Dangers of feeding Scrub Jays

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 3, 2017

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, red trail

I'm a Florida Scrub Jay with a job,
In my family group I'm the Sentry bird.
I sit up high and look for predators,
And when I see one, I spread the word.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 23, 2017

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Scrub Jay trail

I'm known as a Florida Scrub Jay,
The Florida scrub is where I am found.
I've got a black beak and feet,
My feathers are totally on fleek,
And my call is a harsh, screechy sound.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson