While it's possible a bird has been a victim of a cat or a hawk, many birds molt during this time of year. Found a feather or two in your yard? It's most likely an old one being replaced. Feathers are responsible for more than just a bird’s ability to fly; they provide weather protection, making a bird virtually waterproof, as well as insulation for cold weather, especially during winter. However, feathers wear out and need to be replaced. This process is called molting. Typically, birds molt feathers in regular patterns or on specific parts of their bodies, and it may take weeks or months for birds to complete the molting cycle. They shed their flight feathers symmetrically, the first one or two on each wing at the same time, then the next one or two and so on, so they can molt wing feathers without affecting their ability to fly. Body feathers may be shed in tracts or sections. Sometimes Blue Jays will molt head feathers in groups and look “bald.” Most of our backyard bird visitors molt from July to September. They are looking for high-quality foods to help them grow their feathers.
