Carrie DeLong Battles Mosquito Swarms to Capture Images of Florida ScrubJay at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Space Coast Daily

BREVARD COUNTY, MERRITT ISLAND * FLORIDA – The above image was taken at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge by Carrie DeLong, who received recognition from the National Audubon Society. Though the blue plumage of this Florida Scrub-Jay nearly matches the brilliant blue Florida sky, the bird’s feathers pop in contrast with the four brown acorns stashed neatly in a line in the jay’s bill. This endangered bird inhabits a narrow range in Florida, dependent on low-growing oak, like on which this jay perches. Although the Florida Scrub-Jay eats insects, berries, and even snails and small lizards, acorns are an…