I haven't seen any growths on Stellar's Jays feet but have seen something
similar on the feed of purple finches that come to my deck to feed. Looking
at the feet with binoculars reveals what looks like a pale yellowish-gray
fungus growing from between the scales on the feet, toes and lower legs. The
ones I've seen don't seem to be impaired in perching or hopping about. Also
I've not noticed the growth going further than the elbow/knee. However, it
does seem that the 'infected' birds disappear after a couple weeks. I had
two last fall and again this month two more with the fungal growths. Unknown
if they are the same birds as last fall. It doesn't appear to spread as the
other birds don't show any symptoms or signs of illness.

What is this and could it be related to the continuous wet weather promoting
fungal growth?

Mary Hrudkaj
hrudkajm at hotmail.com
Belfair/Tahuya
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