The federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jay is the Sunshine State’s only endemic bird species – found nowhere else in the world. Bold, curious, and living in cooperative family groups, most jays never venture more than a few miles from where they hatched. They approach people closely out of curiosity, endearing them to many and creating treasured photo opportunities. Together, these traits make the Scrub-Jay one of Florida’s most sought-after wildlife sightings in the world. Wildfires once tore through old Florida, creating and restoring scrub habitat for Scrub-Jays. To emulate natural fire and keep scrub healthy, land managers must use prescribed burns.

Sadly, habitat destruction and lack of fire on rare Florida scrublands Scrub-Jay have caused populations to plummet. Audubon Jay Watch promotes Scrub-Jay recovery by providing essential data on annual nesting success that is needed to optimize scrub habitat management. They need our help to recover and thrive. Your support for Audubon’s Jay Watch citizen science program is vital.