In the most recent issue of Natural History, I read about a study done on the distribution of gray jays in Southern Ontario. It said that the gray jay numbers have dropped by half in the last twenty years or so and that the gray jay nests now produce fewer offspring. The reason? The falls are now warmer. All the foods that the gray jays would cache to help keep them fed in the fall and winter are now rotting because of the warm falls (it is an average of 5 degrees warmer in the fall than it used to be). The gray jays no longer have the food supply they need for their nesting habit. (they prefer to nest in the late winter). I have no idea if this is related to the recent irruption or not, but it is both interesting and sad.
Shelley Steva Thief River Falls ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sponsored Link Online degrees - find the right program to advance your career. Www.nextag.com
