The white squirrels aren't albinos. It's just a different color phase of the
gray squirrel. They are pretty common in both Transylvania and Henderson
Counties now. Maybe it's a dominant gene. In some places up north there is a
black phase that is quite common. I've heard that the white phase squirrels
were introduced in Transylvania County many years ago. They are certainly
spreading.
Marilyn
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 3, 2017, at 7:19 PM, alan lenk <adlenk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
A morning visit to Owen Park revealed some interesting wildlife. Here are
the highlights:
White Squirrel- when I arrived I walked along the trail at the west end of
the first lake hoping to see the Virginia Rail. I spotted this white
squirrel. I had seen them at Brevard College Campus but this was my first in
Swannanoa. I am not sure if it was a true albino, the eyes did not appear
pink but the photo was taken with flash that can alter eye color. I talked
with a lady who lived near by and she said she sees white squirrels at her
feeder occasionally.
Virginia Rail- there was a small crowd of birders on the trail that bisects
the two lakes. Local birders Jim Poling, Tom Bush and others were peering
into the dense vegetation at the end of this trail on the right, near the
corner of the lake. The Rail had been spotted but there were no good views.
I hung out there for over an hour with a birder named Joe waiting for the
Rail to come into the open but it never really did. I got a partial shot of
the Rail's upper body.
Bald Eagle- while waiting on the Rail to make its appearance a Bald Eagle
flew west over the lakes (photo #3). In about 30 minutes it return flying
east, this time carrying a clump of grass in its talons (photo #4). This
made me wonder if it might be building a nest, does anyone know when they
prepare a nest? Unfortunately it dropped the grass clump and watched it
fall toward the water (photo #5). Soon the eagle was getting close with good
light that provided a nice shot. (photo #5).
Great Blue Heron- during the "excitement" this heron paid little attention
and continued preening.
It was a good morning.
Alan Lenk
Asheville
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