Interesting cardinals!

[lulubelle]

I have been cooped up at work for what seems to be forever and so on my few breaks, I have become a vicarious birder!!! For those of you who don't read the boards on the Dallas Audubon site, there is someone who found a really unique cardinal and had posted several series of photos. Really an incredible bird both in terms of genetics and appearance!

post # 1:
http://www.audubondallas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1772

post # 2:
http://www.audubondallas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1791


I also subscribe to a birding listserve out of Oregon and found this link posted this morning, another cardinal genetic rarity:

http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/yellow_NOCA.htm


It never ceases to amaze me what a single genetic miss step can create!

[Elaine]

Laura, bless you for this wonderful post! If I had been reading the Dallas boards we would have been over there yesterday, looking for this beautiful cardinal. I hope it stays around awhile. Amazing! And wouldn't it be something to see a yellow cardinal?

I'm curious about the cut up chicken breast in the feeder...or is it fresh fish? Can anyone help with that info? I had no meal worms and was wondering if any tiny bit of fresh meat could have been offered to a pair of hungry and very cold C. wrens seeking food on my porch during all the ice. Didn't know it would be safe, so of course didn't try it. They found seeds and loved my cornbread bits, tho.

Thanks again, Laura, for the great info in your post.

[lulubelle]

Both of these birds represent very unique genetic anomalies and I thought both were worth looking at!

As far as chicken, I actually thought it was melon - Canteloupe maybe? It never occurred to me that it might be chicken or fish! I don't think it is chicken/fish though - none of these birds are carnivorous or have beaks suited to tearing the chicken/fish. I do think it might be a health risk, especially if not eaten quickly. It also might attract unwanted visitors trying to get the meat off the feeder. I took another look at the photos and really think it is a melon that is cut up!!

[Elaine]

Thanks Laura, I was having some vision problems..didn't realize it was that bad, lol! I'm sure it's melon, I've never heard of anyone offering meat to songbirds, other than live mealworms. Still hoping to find this unusual cardinal.:)