Not Blue

Bluejays are not blue. It’s true! Okay, okay, don’t panic, and don’t try to adjust your PC, rub your eyes or wipe your phone to make it go away. Let me explain: we see blue because of light scattering. No worries, I didn’t understand it either. See, when light strikes their feathers all colors pass through except for blue. Because the blue is reflected that’s the color you see • Here’s a different way of thinking about it: bluejay feathers do not contain blue pigment. In contrast, a male cardinal’s feathers look red and also contain red pigment. I read if you take a bluejay feather and wet it to prevent it from absorbing light, it turns brown! • Thank you, Class, you’ve been very attentive today. An extra long recess is your reward ;) • The free all-you-can-eat Deer Buffet was untouched last night. Hopefully the herd will hustle back in tonight • Don’t be blue, keep joy in your heart!