If you’ve visited any of our social media channels, you’ve no doubt seen a photo of a scrub-jay landing on someone’s head. We believe these are magical moments that can inspire a love for nature and conservation in people – who may one day stand up to help protect the scrub-jay from habitat loss. But, as much as we celebrate when a scrub-jay “chooses” their human, we want to be absolutely clear on one point:

Feeding a Florida Scrub-Jay is illegal and harmful to the jay.

We know that the vast majority of our visitors would never intentionally hurt a scrub-jay, and no one likes to feel like they’re being scolded. But we are here in part because of our love of scrub-jays and our desire to see them survive and thrive. It is important to note that it is illegal to feed a Florida Scrub-Jay as it is considered harassment, but for more on why it is harmful to scrub-jays, please visit this excellent write-up by Georgen Charnes.

Scrub-Jay Landings

There are few things in life more joyful than a Florida Scrub-Jay choosing you as a landing spot. You might think people HAVE to be feeding the jays to be able to get them to land. However, it is a combination of the jays’ natural curiosity and their familiarity with humans that makes them a little more willing than other birds to check out your ballcap, hair tie, or just hang out on your head or shoulders for awhile.

• Scrub-jays will land on you! Scrub jays are naturally very curious, and are prone to fly down and land on your head, shoulder, or arm- so try not to be startled and make any sudden movements!
• Jays may hang around for anywhere to a few seconds to a few minutes, and may peck at your hat (they particularly enjoy the top of a ballcap or hats with metal buttons on them).
• Feeding or otherwise enticing scrub-jays is illegal and considered harassment, but beyond that, it isn’t necessary as they will come visit without the prospect of treats.
• Scrub-jays are most active in the early mornings and late evenings with the cooler weather. They are also particularly active in the Fall and Winter caching acorns.
• Keep your eyes on the top of tall trees and bushes. Scrub jays often sit at the top of taller trees to act as a “sentinel” for other jays. If you see a sentinel jay, hang around a little bit – there’s a good chance you’ll see the rest of the family soon enough.
• Scrub jays don’t startle easily – so you can talk at a normal volume without scaring them off.