Surfbirds News

A 25-year study by scientists at Ohio State University, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society, has revealed that the Gray Jay is being negatively affected by global warming. The Gray Jay inhabits the boreal and sub-alpine forests of Canada and the northern United States. Jays breed so far north that young often hatch before spring thaws. To compensate, adult jays cache enormous amounts of food during the summer, so that food remains available to feed to their young throughout the year. This process relies on sub-zero temperatures, beginning in the fall, to freeze these stores and keep the food fresh through spring.

Gray Jay, Oregon, Mount Hood 24th April 2005 from the Surfbirds Galleries © Ian Boustead

Rising temperatures across North America have meant that this natural refrigeration is not being turned on until later in the year. Food is spoiling, shortages are ensuing, and breeding success is being reduced. According to the researchers, the species is in danger of extirpation from the southern part of its range in southern Canada, New England and the northern Rockies. Scientists predict that average global temperatures could rise by as much as 10oF over the next century, making the Gray Jay a likely bellweather of problems to come for birds and people. For information about the impact of climate change on birds, please see http://www.abcbirds.org/climatechange/ or contact Michael Fry, American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 205, mfry@abcbirds.org