I have watched crows do this as well. There is a species of Crane fly which
spend their larval stage in moss. Probably other insects as well.



Rob Sandelin

Naturalist, Writer, Teacher

Snohomish County



_____

From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Vincent
Lucas
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 12:23 PM
To: TWEETERS
Subject: [Tweeters] Gray Jay Picking Cat-tail Moss (Isothecium myosuroides)



Yesterday, 08/22/2013, I saw this Gray Jay picking what I think is Cat-tail
Moss (Isothecium myosuroides) on Deer Park Rd., Olympic National Park, 47?
58' 36.3", -123? 17' 32.6", Near Port Angeles, Clallam Co., WA. I'm
wondering why it's doing this? Surely it isn't for nesting material this
late in the season. Are there insects in there, perhaps? I know in south
Florida, where I used to live, the Spanish Moss contained mites and other
small insects. Perhaps the GRJA is looking for food? Comments welcome.
Thanks.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/9579197866/




--
Vincent Lucas

Sequim, WA

vincentlucas5 at gmail.com