Holy moly, what an absolutely fun find of a beautiful, rare bird.
A couple weeks ago, my friend Patrick of Manus Dei Nature Photography spotted this bird. At the time, I only got a few, fleeting images. I opted not to share those images at that time in the hopes I would get another chance. Well, Sunday I did.
The raptor was perched in the same spot as before and this time, was far more cooperative. It gave me some nice poses then flew to the opposite side of the road affording me a great look at its beautiful, white plumage.
Leucism is a genetic condition causing partial loss of pigmentation, leading to the white feathers you see but with some normal ones. It is similar to albinism but that is a total lack of melanin which would result in all white plumage and red eyes. While red tailed hawks are quite common, it is said only 1 in 30,000 have leucism so it is like spotting a unicorn and I am excited I had the opportunity.
I know there will be some curiosity from others about this sighting, understandably so, but please know to protect the hawk I will not share its location.
