Got home from work this evening, opened the back door to go attack the dandelions and this was sitting less than two feet in front of me:
Its parents were sitting on the fence looking anxiously at me so I retreated back in doors, (this pic was taken a little while later from the kitchen window to minimise disturbance.)
It was a bit of a shock to me as I didn't know we had a nest this year, Judging by his colour it looks like the poor little fella got more of a shock than me though!!
Both mum and dad are regularly bringing in the worms, so I'm assuming he's ok and should be left alone? ( http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/health/babybirds.asp ) and that I'll just have to leave the dandelions alone for a few days. dagnamit! just hope that the neighbourhood cats keep their distance.
I have never seen a white blackbird before, how common are they?
P.
Hi Parax, what a sweet bird that is. Really hope the cats stay away. Unfortunately it sticks out like a sore thumb so best bet is it moves nearer to some bushes or such like. I really hope it survives.
I don't know enough about albino birds or how common they are so will let those who do answer your question. Lovely photo by the way!
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/identify/abnormal/albinism.asp
This link to an RSPB page may answer some of your questions. I really hope it survives.
Hi Parax, and welcome to the forum.
What a little cutie. I have heard of black and white blackbirds, but never a pure white one. I do hope the mum and dad keep looking after him and don't abandon him because he is different. I would make sure mum and dad have a plentiful supply of mealworms nearby to help them out. I also hope the weather stays kind wherever you live. Rain wouldn't help him much.
Dandelions are pretty flowers - just enjoy the colour for now!!!
Please let us know how he gets on.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Thanks for the replies,
I've chased a cat off the wall at the end of the garden like usual, I think they know better than to stray down into the garden though! Unfortunately the only ground bush is down the bottom of the garden where the cats walk past on the wall, and there isn't that much >:o( So I've left the chick up by the house it is well sheltered and hidden under a small log pile at the moment.
I haven't a clue where it has come from, this evening I had a look in the ivy on the fence where I concluded the nest must be but can't see anything.
Thanks for the link to albinism, I have also read about leucism tonight not sure which it is yet though.
Has anyone with any experience got any idea how long I'll have to keep an eye out for? Looking at the photo it seems that it isn't properly fledged yet, looks like the feathers need to grow a bit more, I don't think it'll be a day or two, I'm guessing at 4-5.
Hi Parax,
Your baby looks albino to me. This is where there is a total absence of pigmentation, including the eye, so the feathers will all be white and the eye will be pink. Leucistic birds have partial pigmentation.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/blackbird/nesting.aspx
Hi Parax, have you read the above page, which also covers fledging and explains that the young bird can survive, having left the nest at only nine days old.
Hello Parax,
This chicks, flight feathers seem to have all fully emerged from their quills, so It shouldn't be that long, providing the bird's getting plenty of food and is strong and healthy. I would point out, however, that it appears to have a damaged primary feather on its right wing (or, is it still partially "in pin"? I can't quite make it out.). While this (damage) to a single feather is unlikely to prevent it flying, it may be indicative of a lucky escape from a predator, or a collision with something. Of course, the reason that these albinistic individuals are comparatively rare, is that the white plumage is, obviously, a disadvantage, and is selected out to a large degree.
All the best, I hope you get the result you're hoping for!
MC:-)
Sad news when I got up this morning.
Not a predator, it wasn't too cold, probably just not enough worms..
perhaps mum and dad didn't like coming so close to the house.
Still not got a clue where it came from seems we haven't got a nest this year.
What a shame, poor little thing. Maybe mum and dad gave up on him if they have other to feed. Nature is very sad sometimes. Thanks for letting us know.
Oh, Parax, I am so sorry. You will never really know why it died, but you certainly tried to help.