The illusion of blue

The arrival of warmer weather brings a burst of activity to our local habitats. Among the most striking sights is the sudden, electric flash of a blue jay darting through the canopy, or the sleek silhouette of a belted kingfisher patrolling the waters of the Grand River. Their vibrant plumage seems to defy the muted browns and greens of early spring. But if you were to find a dropped feather from one of these magnificent birds and hold it up to the light, you would uncover one of nature’s