Leucy

Meet Leucy, the Leucistic Cardinal. Leucism is a genetic condition characterized by reduced pigmentation. This particular female cardinal was netted and banded at the local nature preserve last year. There were sightings of her again this year, but I certainly didn't expect to see her. Suddenly, she appeared at the feeder while I was sitting in the bird blind. She first landed at the feeder which wasn't ideal for light, but later she returned and began feeding on the ground. This allowed me to see her back feathers. She seems to get along well with the other cardinals, indigos and grosbeaks. However, she did peck at a mourning dove that was being rather obnoxious while she was feeding at a platform feeder.

Harsh light and dark shadows here, but luckily she moved to the ground for better light.

Cracking those seeds is a messy business.

Please visit other bloggers and the birds they've captured. Thanks, Anni for hosting!

Also linking to Eileen's meme, Saturday's Critters. Thank you!!

5/16/14
Thank you to Hilary of The Smitten Image for choosing this for a Post of the Week in her Phine Photography category. I am truly honored. Please visit Hilary's blog. She has some really "Phine Photography" herself. :)