The vivid blue is not in the feathers themselves , but results from light distortion as a result of the unique structure of the feather. This bird as well as Northern Flicker uses ant secretions to groom its feathers. Amazing, don't you think?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Blue Jays Of The Vermilon River- My World Tuesday Post.
The vivid blue is not in the feathers themselves , but results from light distortion as a result of the unique structure of the feather. This bird as well as Northern Flicker uses ant secretions to groom its feathers. Amazing, don't you think?
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What an interesting, fascinating post! I love your photos. Interesting grooming products that the Jay uses, hmmmmmm, wonder how that would work for us??? At my age anything would probably be beneficial!! Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Thanks for the visit. Boom & I visited your site and he approves of your dogs and Mark Twain.
ReplyDeleteNeat photos, Gary. That Blue Jay is saving up seeds for later. He's got a really full crop.
ReplyDeleteHe probably thinks I'm a soft touch. Thanks for the compliments Hilke.
ReplyDeleteadorable aren't they? i have some visit my feeder. i think they are simply beautiful birds.
ReplyDeleteGreat encounter, you got pretty close for those images...love them ;)
ReplyDeleteTo Photo Cache: Thanks for the visit and kind comments. Boom & Gary.
ReplyDeleteHi Dominic: Thanks for the visit and comments.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos of the Blue Jay. Reminds me of the time I lived in Ottawa, Ontario, when I used to see these beauties.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful blog. My daughter and I perused some of your archived posts last evening and oohed and aahed over your beautiful photographs. The Blue Jay is such a striking bird. Like the N. Cardinal, it's difficult not to grab the camera and click off a few pictures with every visit! ~karen
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeremy for the compliments. If you have time take a look at the Fisher. He's not something you would see in Ottawa or The UK, since he is related to the wolverine.
ReplyDeleteKaholly: Thanks for the visit, and kind words. I think this particular Jay is running me.Boom & Gary.
ReplyDeleteThere are ice flows on the Pine River this morning as the temperature dipped into the teens over night. I notice you have no snow yet. Whats up with that?
ReplyDeleteYour Blue Jays are beautiful! Great catches!
Thanks a million for your scholarly addition to my Field Stone buildings post. It's great to have the benefit of your insights.
I imagine you cheer for the Sudbury Wolves but what NHL team has your loyalty?
My best to Boom! Springman
To Springman: I don't follow Junior A hockey, but since I was born and raised in Toronto,I vaguely follow all the losing teams-the Blue Jays, The leafs, the Argos. Its the only thing a Toronto born person can do; it sort of evens up for the predominance of Toronto in Canada.In the NLF the Buffalo Bills now since they play in Toronto, but before it was the Green Bay Packers because they play in the cold and are supported by such a small place.I have as little to do with Sudbury or the Valley Of Death as possible.Even today we don't have much snow just a dry blizzard- high winds cold temp, with the wind chill its about -24degrees C. or -10 F.
ReplyDeleteAnt secretions!! Who knew?
ReplyDeleteTo Jen: I know I read somewhere that in the case of the Northen Flicker, a ground woodpecker, that eats ants and grooms with them that its the formic acid that kills the vermin in the bird's feathers. Maybe its the same with blue Jays. Thanks for the visit Boom & Gary.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff. These are so different from our Jays.
ReplyDeleteHi Julian: From somebody who has been turning out great stuff, that's kind. Boom & Gary.
ReplyDelete