Bird of the Month for October

Blue Jay

• Blue Jays aren’t actually blue. In fact, the pigment in their feathers is brown. Scattering light in the structural parts of the feathers causes us to see the blue coloration.
• The oldest known wild Blue Jay lived to be at least 17 years 6 months, which is nearly two years older than the oldest recorded Northern Cardinal.
• Blue Jays are omnivores, but they mainly stick to vegetation, berries, acorns and more. While they are infamous and sometimes loathed for eating the eggs of other birds, this behavior is actually quite rare.
• With the ability to mimic the calls of hawks, like the Red-shouldered Hawk, it’s believed that Blue Jays use the calls as a warning or to trick other species.
• Sometimes, Blue Jays take ants and wipe them across their feathers – a practice known as “anting.” Scientists believe they do this to make certain ants secrete their harmful spray, so they’re fit for digestion.
• Blue Jays form monogamous relationships that can last multiple breeding cycles. A pair will usually stay together until one of them dies.

Reference: backyardchirper.com – 10 Interesting Facts About Blue Jays by Timothy Martinez Jr.

Please be sure and visit our website for all your birding needs:  TheFamilyStore.net

Reset your bookmarks!

It is time to reset your bookmarks! As of October 4th, our new and improved website is now on-line.  All links to thefamilystore.net have changed.

I am very proud of the new website. It has improved maneuverability, easier to see pictures, more functions such as wishlists, gift registry, gift certificates and emails to friends.  You may either establish an account so that it is easier for us to contact you. We still completely protect your identity and information, that is still paramount with me!  But if you do not wish to establish an account, you may still shop without one.

There are also new products from new companies such as cast iron cookware and home and garden decor.  Talk about lasting a life-time - these products will be treasures to hand down from generation to generation.  Collectibles from Roman, Thomas Kinkade, and Joseph's Studio are also new to the store.  Coming in the near future are blankets from Pacific Blanket and high quality bedding and bath items that I am very excited about.

I hope that you will find shopping with us even easier.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

 http://thefamilystore.net