I was very excited to see this white (partially albino) robin in the crabapple orchard here at Flower Hill Farm about a month ago. I did see it a few more times over a couple of weeks but have not seen it since.
It was a lucky sighting, as only one robin in 30,000 is albino or partial albino. It seems robins are the one bird where the phenomenon of albinism is seem most. Pigments protect and strengthen, therefore a white or partially white bird is more vulnerable to predators and other mishaps.
A white robin in a flock of fifty surely stands out more and makes an easier target. I hope this unique bird has survived and that I get lucky again!
You can see more photos and read more here . . .
flowerhillfarm.blogspot.com
Carol Duke
Carol Duke is an artist and farmer who has worked with the land on a Western Massachusetts hillside for over thirty years. During this time her land has evolved into a diverse wildlife habitat. Carol features the flora and fauna that live and visit her farm on her blog http://flowerhillfarm.blogspot.com/ As vital wildlife habitats are destroyed daily, Carol hopes to inspire others to garden for wildlife, while becoming activists for wild places the world over. Her nature photography has appeared in magazines, books and newspapers.
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