[obol] Re: Possible increase in leucism

From: "Robert O'Brien" <baro@xxxxxxx>
To: "k.drain@xxxxxx" <k.drain@xxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2021 15:58:56 -0700

Hi Karen. Very interesting post and wonderful photos. I'll be interested in
what others have to say as well. There was a time a few years ago when
partially leutistic juncos were showing up frequently in Oregon and
Washington, including at my place here. But locally at least I'm not saying
as many as I did during that period.
Bob O'Brien Carver Oregon

On Sunday, September 12, 2021, 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

References:
- [obol] Possible increase in leucism
  - From: karen drain

[obol] Re: Possible increase in leucism

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