"Ice Age Tree Planter"

Blue Jay

    In geologic time, it was just a few moments ago when Utah was covered by Lake Bonneville, glaciers, and in the heart of an ice age. Grandkids ask us what it was like back then..... and is that when we came across the plains in a covered wagon? My honey and I think they are implying that we are way out of date, and some days we feel like they might be right.

    During the time frame when Lake Bonneville disappeared and the glaciers covering North America retreated, vast stretches of the US were left as grassy, treeless plains. Then, with startling geologic speed, the eastern plains of North America were filled with trees. Some experts give Blue Jays credit for the rapid spread of forests after the last Ice Age. Blue Jays, in preparation for winter, select quality seeds (fertilized and not defective), and then move and hide them away from the host tree. Should the Jay die or not use the seeds as food, these perfect seeds are ready to grow into next year’s trees.

    Migration of the Blue Jay is still a mystery to science.... some birds are always present year round, while others shift south in huge flocks. The Blue Jay is one of America's most popular birds with people and artists.  They are painted on Christmas cards each year, but seldom if ever are seen live in southern Utah.  The Blue Jay is abundant east of the Rocky Mountains, from Florida to Canada.  Such a noisy bird..... most often heard before it is seen.  Our local Steller's Jay is similar to the Blue Jay in size and habits, but the Steller's has a black head.

    The Blue Jay was drawn by Brenda Rusnell.  Thank you for sharing your talent with us.   Brenda is currently teaching "Color Pencil Drawing" for retired and semi-retired wannabe artists at the Institute of Continued Learning (ICL).  

    The Red Cliffs Audubon Society will have a Fall Potluck Get-together and Book Exchange on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00. Enjoy the potluck, good friends, and bring any good outdoor books presently clogging your bookshelves. Books can be donated to the Audubon for sale... and the proceeds will go to fund future Audubon Projects. If you bring a little change in your pocket, you could end up taking home as many good books as you bring.  Social is held at Tonaquint Park. For more information about Blue Jays or Social call Marilyn Davis 673-0996.