An oak seedling and its progenitor.
Photo by Amy Roby
Several weeks ago, I wrote about finding some peanuts tucked among the leaves of a plant in my front yard. A little research taught me that different kinds of wildlife will sometimes gather nuts and seeds and stash them away for a later time.
While pulling some weeds in that same area of the yard this past week, I unearthed a root attached to a round seed. Looking more closely, I saw that what I’d pulled was actually an acorn and the sprout of an oak tree. Since there aren’t any oak trees in my yard, I wondered if those clever creatures might be at it again.
Turns out it’s likely that the acorn may have been placed there by some sort of jay. Audubon says that jays are omnivores that, depending upon the species, forage on the ground and in trees for food sources that include insects, spiders, small reptiles. eggs, and snails. Jays also rely on acorns, seeds, nuts, and berries during the winter time. They are known to gather nuts and acorns and bury them, possibly to retrieve to later (audubon.org/bird-guide?title=jay).
The Carson Valley Trails website has a great article titled, “A Tale of Three Jays,” written by Annette Thomason (carsonvalleytrails.org/?p=12373). This informative read provides details about the California Scrub Jay, Stellar’s Jay, and the Pinyon Jay, including recordings of their distinctive calls. All three species of jay are found in different locations throughout the Carson Valley.
Though there’s currently no oak tree in my yard, it might not be a bad idea to plant one, since acorns are such an important food source for so many of our feathered (and furry) wildlife friends.
Preparations underway for Back to School Bash
Northern Nevada Dream Center is seeking sponsorships from community members, businesses, and corporations as they prepare for their annual NNDC Back to School Bash on August 14.
This year, NNDC’s goal is to provide resources for 1,000 students in need across Douglas, Carson, Lyon, and Storey counties.
Organizers said, “A child or event sponsorship not only provides students with a new backpack and school supplies, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed, but also brings excitement, motivation and new dreams for their future” (nndreamcenter.org/b2sb/).
Event sponsors will be recognized on the NNDC website and social media pages, in press releases for various news outlets, and at the August 14 event.
Those interested in supporting this fundraising effort can visit the NNDC website at nndreamcenter.org/ to learn more. Call 775-443-4090 with any sponsorship questions.