Florida Scrub Jay Nesting Box
The Florida Scrub Jay Nesting Box is a 5 week project that explores the fine line between designing a contemporary form that elegantly redefines the term “birdhouse”, while also meeting the ever-important needs of the endangered Florida Scrub Jay.
Research
Florida Scrub Jay
(Aphelocoma Cœrulescens)
Attributes
- Medium-sized bird, about 9-11 in. length (American Robin size), weighing aout 2.3-3.3 oz.
- Wingspan of 13-14 in.
- Males and females both have cerulean blue and gray body, a blue crown and wings, and a grayish-white underside
- Flat head with a sturdy bill and dark beady eyes
- Sturdy, long legs with strong feet
Habitat & Range
- Only species of bird endemic to the state of Florida
- Nest in scrub oak and palmettos 3-4 ft. off the ground, making them vulnerable to predators
- Only reside in the highest and driest areas of florida that offer scrub oak and sandy soil (particularly central and southern florida)
- Prefer sandy ridges down the middle of Florida, old sand dunes along the coasts, and scrubby flatwoods
-Typical territory ranges from 22-24 acres
Behavior
- Known for hiding their food like nuts and acorns in the ground and then coming back to feed at a later date
- Live in groups of 4-5, to breeders and 2-3 offspring to help with survival
- Breed from March to June and build nests from twigs and palmetto fibers low to ground in shrubby oaks
- Non-migratory and typically defend the same nesting territory
Endangerment
- The Florida Scrub Jay population has decreased 90% over the last century due to increasingly prevalent issues like habitat destruction, fragmentation, negative effects from development, and agriculture expansion
- 7,700-9,300 Florida Scrub Jays left in the wild in Florida
- Between 1992 -2010, the population decreased by 25%
- Due to the nests always being so close to the ground and in shrubs, the birds are very susceptible to attacks from predators like raccoons, coyotes, foxes, snakes and house cats
Initial Ideation
After completing qualitative research, my next step was to quickly get my thoughts out on paper with some thumbnail sketches. Here, I experimented with different contemporary designs that also entirely fit the birds needs.
Continued Ideation
Since Florida scrub jays prefer open areas to nest in, similar to their natural habitat of scrubs, I decided to further explore the design directions that best fit those essential needs.
Renders & Mid Fidelity Models
Final Renders
After a last minute decision to make some subtle changes to the final design, I sketched 2 final renders, each showcasing the colors and materials I intended to use, and how it functions in relation to its user and environment.
From Concept to Creation
After hours spent preparing, measuring, cutting, and assembling the rich walnut wood, the nesting box stood complete—a tangible result of patience, craft, and intention.
