American Crow
This unusually pale bird is part of a local family group north of Ithaca, and throughout the year
2007 has been seen off and on in this same area. Note the barring in some feather groups and the
pale fleshy parts in most recent photos (at top) and the other photos below.
Near Atwater Rd. in Lansing, NY - 8 December, 2007
Note that the first picture was taken with more cloud cover. When the sun came out, the plumagebecame more obviously pale with hints of warm brown and occasional bronze or copper hues. Also,
the barring in the wing coverts are likely the result of inconsistent pigment deposition/production
during the growth of those feathers. All in all, a very cool looking bird!!!
Note the nictitating membrane over the eye (it blinked during the photo).
Note the barring in the feathers, the pale tip to the bill, pale orbital ring, brown iris,
and the appearence of darker feathering around the face (lighting or real?).
Near Atwater Rd. in Lansing, NY - 1 September, 2007
Presumably the same bird as mentioned above and below, seen here during prebasic molt.
Near Atwater Rd. in Lansing, NY - 28 May, 2007
Not great pictures, but the first "good" photos I took of this odd individual. Note the pale fleshy parts and iris.
Colorado
Enjoying some tasty roadkill.