On the way into Alliston today I decided to check our a small wetland.
When I arrived, a totally white robin-sized bird flew across the road in
front of me. Sure enough, it was an albino robin. It seems to be
lingering in the area. It was hanging out with several other robins who
were foraging. They seemed to ignore it's attempts to join in on their
courtship interactions.
The plumage is entirely white. The bill is yellow. Legs are flesh
coloured and the eye is dark. So, techincally I guess its only a
partial albino. Or, a yellow-billed cotinga (no, not really).
To get there, drive through Alliston on Hwy 89 going west. The last set
of lights after the downtown is King St. Turn left (south) and continue
out of town. This road becomes the Adjala/Tecumseth Townline. About
2km out of town and after 2 sets of lights you will come to the 13th
sideroad. Turn left (East) and within 100 metres you will see a small
wetland on the left. The bird can be seen here on both sides of the
road. It likes to forage in the cedars, or on the ground. It tends to
follow the other robins around.
Good birding,
John Schmelefske
RR#4
Alliston, Ontario
