OSPREY, Fla. (WWSB) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosted a family-friendly festival Saturday at Oscar Scherer State Park to celebrate the Florida scrub-jay, a bird species found only in the Sunshine State.
The March 21 event featured guided nature walks, educational exhibits, vendors, children’s activities, live music and food trucks. Attendees also had opportunities to speak with wildlife biologists and conservation partners working to protect the federally listed threatened species.
Known for its non-migratory behavior, the Florida scrub-jay can be observed year-round, allowing wildlife enthusiasts to follow the lives of individual family groups over time. The species is also notable for its cooperative breeding system, in which family members help raise young together.
My Hometown Fest packs Nathan Benderson Park with music, food and drinks
Organizers said the festival aimed to raise awareness about the bird’s unique habitat and the ongoing efforts to ensure its survival.
The FWC said people can help Florida scrub-jays by:
·Learning about and supporting habitat management practices such as prescribed fires for scrub habitat on FWC Wildlife Management Areas, including the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area, Salt Lake WMA and Platt Branch WEA.
·Keeping cats indoors near scrub-jay habitat.
·Promoting healthy native insect populations by reducing use of insecticides around homes and golf courses. Scrub-jays (and other native wildlife) feed on insects.
·Reporting harassment or harm to scrub-jays or their nests to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-FWCC (3922).
·Volunteering with the Audubon Society’s Jay Watch community science program.
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