Gray Jays have a secret weapon for surviving the Canadian winter: hiding food in trees!

During the cold winter months many of Canada’s birds travel south to warmer climates – many, but not all…There are some birds that stay right where they are, surviving through the bitter cold and gusty winds of the great Canadian winter! The Gray Jay is one of these incredible birds that stick around all year long.

Two Gray Jays
Photo Credit: Dan Strickland

Gray Jays laugh in the face of winter. Not only do they stay in the boreal forest throughout the year, they actually start to breed during February, when temperatures are below freezing.

But how can they survive in temperatures that other birds fly far to get away from? That’s where the trees save the day; the forest helps this bird thrive throughout the winter. During the summer and fall, Gray Jays stock up on berries, fungi, insects and other bird snacks and hide them in tree crevices throughout the forest. Then, when winter comes around, Gray Jays have lots of food to eat. Coniferous trees are the best because they have special antibacterial properties that make food last longer.

The boreal forest is important for tons of different animals that call this area home. Now that you know Gray Jays use these trees as their personal refrigerator we have another great reason to protect this forest.

 

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/uog-gjw100711.php

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66 COMMENTS

  1. Hello everyone.
    I love to learn new things every day- especially about animals!
    If anyone (and that means everyone) has a question about animals
    that you would like me to answer, I would love to do some research
    about it and share what I know.
    My specialty is species of owls- I love owls!
    I know this is random- I am just bored.

    Thanks,
    Your Fellow Earthranger,
    Gabjas

  2. I felt like writing a story…
    and I also thought, why not write this story on earthrangers, the awesomest eco-friendly website ever.
    I also thought: Hey, why not make it a little fun?
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    If you write and idea, then I’ll pick the best one out of the selection and do that, making sure I leave it at yet another cliffhanger for yet more suspense and awesome ideas.
    If you like this game then try my other one, just look up timber and go to the last picture, look for my rangername arounfd the bottom, the rules are there.

    Since I don’t know what the story should be about, the first round is to give me an idea, best idea wins and gets to be on the wall of fame (which all winners will be placed on).
    Remember that this stor has to be about our furry, feathery and scaly friends, the ANIMALS!
    This contest will only be featured on the “Don’t Call Me A Zebra’ page- which can be found by searching up okapi and clicking on the title of the only thing there.

    Remember, Everyone is a Winner!
    Fellow Earth Ranger,
    Gabjas

    PS. Moniters can participate as well.

    • I really like sharks can you write a story about them what about something like how sharks are in trouble but how a kids saves them and they are so thankful that everyone loves them and never scared of sharks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. What wonderful ideas- sadly, there was a mixup (sorry, my fault) and I meant story ideas for the story I am already writing in the ‘Don’t Call me A Zebra’ page (type in okapi in search box).
    I am very sorry for the confusion and I’d like to make it up to you by somehow incorporating your ideas in my story by using sharks and bears somewhere in the story.
    Once again, sorry for the confusion.
    Remember to go straight to ‘Don’t Call Me A Zebra’ and read the story!

    Thanks,
    Your Fellow Earthranger,
    Gabjas

  4. Hi there, Sadie1137!

    What a pleasure it is to be an Earthranger and communicate with other awesome earthrangers like you!
    You see me everywhere because I like to explore (everywhere) and get out there!
    Every time I go onto this website I learn new things and get to express my opinions!
    What a wonderful oppurtunity!

    Thanks,
    Your Fellow Earthranger,
    Gabjas

  5. dear gabas, do you think that maybe there is any gray jays in saskatchewan?
    if there is where would they be spotted like in a forest in a zoo where?and also
    how long is there life spand and what are some of there predators and where
    do they live like in a tree or what?and whats there secrect weapon?

    from: earth lover

  6. Dear Stacymacy,
    Those are great questions and I would be delighted
    to answer them!
    You just gave me a great idea!
    If you have any questions about animals
    that you would like me to answer, please post them and I will do my best to answer them
    correctly, if I do make mistakes (as I may) please do not hesitate to correct me!

    Thanks,
    Your Fellow Earthranger,
    Gabjas