Stellar's Jay

If you're a frequent reader, you know we have a cityfolk condo in Bellingham. It's near my mom, 93-years young, so we can visit and help. It's also near busy Bellis Fair Mall, but outside our window is a protected wetlands. It's large enough for evergreens, blackberry brambles and even two ancient apple trees from an old homestead. It must have looked a lot different around here in those days.

Birds love this little spot of nature in the city. We see and hear woodpeckers, gulls, ravens, robins and lots of songbirds. It doesn't totally mask the sounds and sights of city living, but it helps. One of the visitors this month was a Stellar's Jay. Actually a pair. Stellar's Jays form a bonded pair and stay together from season to season.

It's a bit tough to see the distinctive crest of feathers on the crown, but I'm pretty sure it's a jay. They live in and near forests from low to high elevations. They have also adapted to living near humans, scavenging and enjoying bird feeders. In their natural environment, their diet is 2/3 plants and seeds, and 1/3 eggs and tiny critters. Mmm, good eats.

Even if you live in the city, take some time to explore your surroundings. You will be surprised how much "wildlife" you can find. One of my favourite experiences with my innercity students back in LA was a nature walk on the playground. At least our's had grass with trees. But before I left, we got a grant from JPL to install a research pond and natural habitat to extend our nature studies. -- Margy