2020-1 Nature Up Close

Did you guess? It’s a close-up of a feather from a Blue Jay. The thin stiff blue ribs give the feather it’s blue color and provide it with the strength it needs. The thin black membrane between each rib makes the whole feather airtight so it can catch the air and help the bird fly. By being so thin, it makes the overall feather very light, really important for an animal that needs to be able to lift it’s whole weight up with the simple flap of its wings!