My Bird Nerd Dream Came True

I've been praying to see a Florida Scrub Jay** for quite a long time.  Well, today we hit the jackpot.  We visited the Cruickshank Sanctuary for the second time this week, prepared with hiking shoes and sticks, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and my good camera.  Jem always hikes ahead of me to scare away any snakes or other critters.

We walked about a mile along the trail through the palmetto and scrub.  It was hot (in the mid eighties) but a nice breeze was helping to keep us cool.  I was praying to see one of the elusive blue birds, when Jem spotted one and whispered, loudly, "I see one!"

I WAS SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually, there were two, and they were not afraid of us in the least.  In fact, one of them perched on Jem's hat, and onto his walking stick.  Then, he hopped back onto the hat, perused the decorations and tried to removed the button on top.  He even pecked Jem's head a couple of times.

 

He loved it!  We were both talking and laughing and enJOYing this "bird blessing".  I got this beautiful shot and was praising the L-rd for answering my prayers. Remember, Gail-Friends, He told us to pray about everything, and I do.

After about ten minutes, we continued on the trail.  There were several more Scrub Jays, but none were as friendly as this one.  

We saw three gopher tortoises and an eagle's nest, but no eagle today.

Here's a gopher tortoise eating a mushroom.

We ran across this sign, and said a big hats-off to the troop that keeps the trail in such good shape.

I'm one happy bird nerd, and so thankful for my bird blessing today.  This quote is perfect for how G-d answered my prayer:

God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

** The Florida  Scrub Jay is an endangered species, and if their needs are met in a particular area, they will stay there all of their lives.  This sanctuary is 140 acres, and there are about 30 Scrub Jays living happily there.

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