Confused Fledgling

Question

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.

Brenda H · Accepted Answer

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.

Sparrow · Answer

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.

Brenda H · Answer

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.

Parax · Answer

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. 
 
 P.