A couple of interestingly-colored birds were observed today:
This AM at Union Slough NWR, a leucistic Tree Swallow worked the east shoreline adjacent to the auto tour route for 10 minutes or so before moving on. It was completely cream colored (at least while looking through binocs at a constantly moving bird), and easy to follow around on its meandering path. The unfortunate bird's path meandered more than it would have had to, because it was being chased 75% of the time by any other swallow that it passed near. Other birds just didn't want to fly near a bright white target, especially with a Merlin and a Peregrine Falcon working the area! The swallows (and shorebirds) probably didn't have to worry about the Peregrine, though, as she (it appeared to be a big female) seemed intent on snagging one of the many ducks.
After lunch, a Scarlet Tanager at Call SP was interesting. An adult male had replaced all but a few red feathers on the undertail coverts, lower back, and throat area with the basic green. I wonder if it's a local nester finishing molt before it leaves, or if it's already on the move from somewhere else and just going to hang onto the red til spring?
Matthew Kenne Algona, Iowa [email protected] --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
