Trying again.....photo size too large
On Sun, Sep 12, 2021, 3:51 PM Michele Miner <phinq99@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
There has been what I think is a leucistic pigeon across the street from
me the last few days.....photos are terrible but I'll attach a couple
anyway. I'm in SE Portland, near 52nd & Flavel Drive
On Sun, Sep 12, 2021, 2:53 PM karen drain <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hi. I have noticed that for the first time in 18 years, I have seen birds
displaying partial leucism in my backyard here in Tigard Oregon. I have had
a Black-capped Chickadee, a Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a Dark-eyed Junco
fly through, all displaying various degrees of leucism. I also have been
made aware of at least 6 different sightings of pigment-challenged birds,
specifically Chickadees, all seen within the PDX area and the Willamette
Valley.
The perceivable increase in recorded sightings make me wonder if perhaps,
the fires of last year, coupled with the extreme heat and drought we
experienced this year could be the catalyst for these genetic alterations.
If humans can lose the pigment in their hair and skin when enduring extreme
stress, I could hypothesize that the same could be said about birds. I
would love to know what thoughts are out there regarding the apparent
increase in leucistic bird sightings. Is this just an odd happenstance? -
Karen Drain
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