Watching Florida Scrub-Jays in Brevard County

Florida Scrub-Jays are an endangered species and they’re only found in Central Florida. In 2022, their numbers were estimated to be between 7,700 and 9,300 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Despite their low numbers across the region, there is one place I can go where I am almost guaranteed to spot a Scrub-Jay: The Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge in Brevard County.

This protected area of Florida scrub land is nestled between some subdivisions and a self-storage business, but it’s the perfect habitat for Florida Scrub-Jays. I went on an early Saturday morning, and after being greeted by maybe a half a dozen rabbits, some Scrub Jays came out to say hello.

Scrub-Jays can be friendly – perhaps too friendly. Signs at the Cruickshank Sanctuary remind visitors it’s against the law to feed the birds. Hopefully there is a statute of limitations for that crime, since I have vivid memories of Scrub-Jays flying down and taking peanuts from my hand when I was a child at my grandparents’ home in Lake County.

At the Cruickshank Sanctuary, the curious Scrub-Jays flit about on the ground, in the bushes and in the trees. They’re fun to watch.

I even got a chance to photograph a juvenile Scrub-Jay, which didn’t have its blue feathers on its head yet.

The Birds of Florida Field Guide noted that the Scrub-Jay population has declined perhaps 90% in the past century due to habitat loss. Hopefully the ones I saw at the Cruickshank Sanctuary will help the species continue on for another generation of bird watchers.