F
rom the sun-kissed beaches to the rolling prairies, Floridians from all walks of life have long been captivated by the idea of making the Florida Scrub-Jay their state bird. But despite its unique charm and crucial role in shaping the state's ecosystem, this beloved species continues to wait patiently on the sidelines as lawmakers debate its fate year after year.

    The Florida Scrub-Jay is a true Floridian, with a rich history dating back 2 million years when it arrived from the American West alongside other bird species. Of these, only the Burrowing Owl and the FSJ ancestor survived in Florida, adapting and evolving into a new species that has thrived for 650,000 generations.

    As a habitat specialist, the FSJ has formed close-knit families with precise territory boundaries, living atop ancient dune islands in the peninsula's oldest wildlands. However, its population has dwindled to just below 5% of its former size due to human-caused environmental problems, including land development and climate change.

    The slow violence inflicted on the FSJ is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of human activities on Florida's natural lands. Unlike the buffalo genocide of the 19th century, there are no piles of dead bodies to photograph – just the gradual decline of a species played out over 100 years.

    It's time for Floridians to raise their voices and declare the Florida Scrub-Jay the real state bird. This iconic species has been a part of our ecosystem for millennia, and its continued survival is a testament to the resilience of nature in the face of human neglect and environmental degradation. By embracing the FSJ as our state bird, we can challenge ourselves to envision a healthier future for both humans and wildlife in Florida.