Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Bald headed blue jay, and then some

July 28


Isn't he a handsome fellow!  Such a proud papa!



Raising young ones, though, can be stressful. 
Don't I know!
Of course, all mine are raised.



August 18
This teenage blue jay seems to be stressing his dad so bad, he's starting to go bald!

Look closely around his face ...


August 22
See!  What did I tell ya!

No ....  his baldness is not really caused by stress.
Apparently Blue Jays go through something called 'molting' once a year in late summer.
I had no idea!  


 

August 24


At first I thought he was sick but a quick google search eased my concerns.  It is a normal process for birds.   Feathers will grow back.  But for a period of time until they do, they do look rather odd.  Other birds such as hummingbirds, chickadees, hawks, owls and woodpeckers are just a few that go through the same process.

And if you look real close, you can even see his ear!


So the good news for this guy is that he won't be bald forever.


Cause this is Forever!



Introducing my son, The Professor and my brother.

These baldies I love!
(And definitely cuter than Mr. Blue Jay ... but don't tell him that!)
~smile~