In search of the Florida Scrub Jay

Larry gave us instructions on how to find the Florida Scrub Jay in Jonathan Dickinsen State Park which was about 40 minutes north of where we were if it wasn't rush hour. But it was, so it took 1.25 hours. We were low on gas and for some reason all the gas station leading up to the park were on the wrong side of the divided highway.

We paid the fee entered the park and I'm thinking I am going to have to rally to walk and see this bird (which is not a life bird for me) when Cindy calls out -- is that the Scrub Jay? It was. I didn't get out in time to get a photo (it was right in front of the car) but it came back and posed for us.

Those photos are all of the first bird, but we saw two more from the car -- another one in the campground and one of a tree on the way up to the visitor's center.

We looked and listened for the Bachman's Sparrow -- no luck and Cindy took a little walk to try to see the Red-cockaded Woodpecker again no luck. We did have a lovely close look at a Swallow-tailed Kite, but it was off before I could get a shot.

So we settled for the Scrub Jay and this lovely (loud) Common Grackle. Not a bad day.

We headed back to get gas and to the airport for the long (two hours longer than it was supposed to be) flight home. All in all a great trip -- good weather, good birds, nice people.