*Series Updated 2020* Same Locations*New Containers* Thus the addition of .20* This series has been placed to bring attention and awareness to the Florida scrub-jay and its habitat. These caches are scattered among the Leisure Lakes area. This cache is located within the Lake Wales Ridge WMA . Visitors should be aware of seasonal hunting and must abide by all area regulations while on the area. Please visit http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/lake-wales-ridge for more information. While you are looking for this series please take the time to look around you and see if you can spot one of these pretty blue grey birds. All caches are in pet and child friendly locations. I would however suggest no open toed shoes. All locations have safe parking. No location is on private property.
Florida scrub-jay is restricted to scattered, often small and isolated patches of sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, and scrubby flatwoods in Florida.
They have very specific habitat requirements. Scrub-jays prefer these various forms of scrub habitat which burn frequently enough to maintain a tree height of 3-10 feet tall. They actively avoid other forest types, wetlands, and large, open areas such as agricultural lands. While scrub-jays can be found in areas where scrub has been recently converted to other uses such as residential developments or farmland, their survival and reproductive success are generally very poor in these areas.
Florida scrub-jays eat a variety of animal and plant items. Insects comprise a major food source during spring and summer. These birds also prey on small vertebrates including frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, birds' eggs, and even mice. Acorns are consumed year-round and are the birds' staple diet, especially during the winter when drupes, greenbrier berries, and tread-softly fruits are not available.
Florida scrub-jays mate for life. Their breeding season is short compared with other Florida perching birds; nests with eggs or young occur from early March through June. Scrub-jays build a new nest each year.