Warmer temperatures, the scientists hypothesize, make jay nests susceptible to predation by snakes for a longer period of the Florida spring than in the past.

Native reptiles and birds, including the Be’er Sheva fringe-fingered lizard, the pin-tailed sandgrouse and the spectacled warbler, are now fall easy prey for crows and jays perched in the tree branches.

However, if the city is successful in planting more trees to help combat extreme heat, it could have the added benefit of hosting more birds such as acorn woodpeckers and California scrub jays.

Steller’s jays and robins may appear when you start cooking your dinner, optimistic for a treat.

Hiding amongst the plants is one of T. christinae's key defenses as hungry birds, such as scrub jays, are insatiable predators of the stick insects.