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Scrub Jay @ 7 Lakes Mystery Cache

Hidden : 2/1/2020
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   large (large)

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Geocache Description:


Florida Scrub Jay

It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else, and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining. The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay.

As the state’s human population has grown, development has increased, and the scrub-jays’ choice habitat has become more limited. A scrub-jay family’s permanent territory averages about 22 to 24 acres, which makes it challenging for young birds to find suitable space for a family.

The species is federally listed as threatened, in large part due to of loss of habitat and decades of fire suppression that allowed scrub habitat to become overgrown. Prescribed burning helps maintain the bare ground and shrub height vital for scrub-jay survival. The current Florida scrub-jay population is estimated at about 7,700 to 9,300 birds.

https://youtu.be/boyAYXTVWgM

To open this cache you will have to solve 2 seperate 3 digit numbers from the current Florida scrub-jay population estimations.

Orange is LOWEST population # subtract 7299

Blue is HIGHEST poulation # subtract 8391

THIS CACHE IS LOCATED WITHIN HIGHLANDS HAMMOCK STATE PARK. THE PARK IS OPEN FROM 8AM TIL SUNSET, 365/6 DAYS A YEAR, INCLUDING ALL HOLIDAYS. THERE IS A FEE TO ENTER THE PARK.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Rirelguvat lbh arrq gb xabj vf pbybe pbqrq va gur grkg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)