Up, Up, and Away! 8540

The Florida Scrub-jay is a species of Scrub-jay that is endemic to Florida. That means that it can only be found in Florida where it has existed for millions of years. Its habitat is limited to Florida's scrub land. This habitat is arid and relatively unattractive and is prone to frequent wildfires. As a result, a specific set of small plants populate the habitat. Our pension to extinguish wildfires and develop scrub land into something "more attractive" has led to a gradual but steady decline in these birds. This is due predominantly to habitat loss. In a few areas these birds are unbelievably tolerant of humans, landing not only near people but on them too. In this instance this Scrub-jay landed my friend before leaping up, up, and away, into the wild blue. Meeting these birds for the first time is a humbling experience. Knowing that even our most well intended activities, like wildfire suppression, can have deleterious effects on other species should serve as a lesson for the future. Nature's most invasive species needs to be more responsible. Every change we make has significant consequences. #FloridaScrubJay

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