About twenty five years ago a recently fledged leucistic Blue Jay flew into the side of our car along the country road where we lived. The beautiful white-on-white color pattern and its babyish appearance, plus the fact it was alive were a delight and relief. However, it did back flips when it tried to stand; indicating head trauma. Therefore Linda wrapped it in a towel and took it home.

For the next three weeks it lived in a large cage in a corner of our basement – warm, quiet and with subdued light, as it gradually recovered its balance. We tried to locate a wildlife rehabilitator, and not finding one did what came naturally to livestock owners – nursed it back to health. There was no question that we could abandon this ghostly, feisty young bird. It ate Mighty Dog canned dog food, first from a baby spoon and then from a dish. A few drops of water at a time from a dropper helped forestall dehydration until it could stand and drink on its own. Once its balance was secure it rapidly became stronger and practiced wing flaps.

Read the rest of the Scarths' column in our January issue...