Scrub Jay Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Turtletoes/Biggie: sadly time to retire

More
Hidden : 9/24/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


The Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens [A]) is one of the species of scrub jay native to North America. It is the only species of bird endemic to the U.S. state of Florida and one of only 15 species endemic to the United States.[3] Because of this, it is heavily sought by birders who travel from across the country to observe this unique species. It is known to have been present in Florida as a recognizably distinct species since at least 2 mya ; possibly it is derived from the ancestors of Woodhouse's Scrub Jay, the inland forms of the Western Scrub-jay.

It measures 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11 in) in length, and weighs from 66 to 92 g (2.3 to 3.2 oz), with an average 80.2 g (2.83 oz). The wingspan of the jay is 33–36 cm (13–14 in). It has a strong black bill, blue head and nape without a crest, a whitish forehead and supercilium, blue bib, blue wings, grayish underparts, gray back, long blue tail, black legs and feet.

An inquisitive and intelligent species, the most striking attribute of the Florida Scrub Jay's behavior is its remarkable tameness. As such, scrub jays willingly take food from human hands.

Unfortunately, this tameness is dangerous to the well-being of the species.

Florida Scrub Jays that are fed by humans will reproduce earlier in the year than those that are not. However, fledgling scrub jays feed primarily on caterpillars present in the late spring and summer; if they hatch too early in the year when the caterpillars are not available, this can lead to their malnutrition or starvation.

Another potential danger of feeding Florida Scrub Jays occurs when people feed them near a road, as one major cause of death for scrub jays in urban areas is collision with vehicles.

The Florida Scrub Jay is found only in Florida scrub habitat, an ecosystem that exists only in central Florida and is characterized by nutrient-poor soil, occasional drought and frequent wildfires. Because of its somewhat harsh weather pattern, this habitat is host to a small assortment of very specific plants, including Sand Pine, Sand Live Oak, Myrtle Oak, Chapman's Oak, Sandhill Oak, Florida Rosemary and various other hardy plants such as Eastern prickly pear.

Florida Scrub Jays are omnivorous, and eat a wide variety of acorns, seeds, peanuts, insects, tree frogs, turtles, snakes, lizards, and young mice. Florida Scrub Jays have also been occasionally observed for hurting other birds of their eggs or nestlings, but this occurs rarely. They routinely cache thousands of acorns a year, burying them just beneath the surface of the The acorns are typically buried in the fall and consumed during the winter and spring. Those acorns not found germinate, making the Florida Scrub-Jay a premier disperser for a variety of oak trees.

Scrub jays will also steal silverware and other shiny objects in a manner similar to the American Crow

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



Advertising with Us

Inventory

There are no Trackables in this cache.

View past Trackables

What are Trackable Items?

Bookmark Lists

View all bookmark lists...