There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a rare bird. But not all birds are rare because of their species. Some are common birds that are just… really weird looking.
The rare yellow cardinal Image: AL.com (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHUbIV8qsSs)
Take this yellow cardinal that has drawn birdwatchers and scientists to Alabama. Reports AL.com:
Auburn University biology professor Geoffrey Hill said the cardinal in the photos is an adult male in the same species as the common red cardinal, but carries a genetic mutation that causes what would normally be brilliant red feathers to be bright yellow instead.
Charlie Stephenson, who first spotted the bird in her bird feeder, says the yellow cardinal visits her backyard daily. Unlike the folks who opened their home to a flock of birders hoping to spot a rare Black-backed oriole in Pennsylvania back in 2017, Stephenson isn’t giving out her address.
Here’s a video:
There’s not much more to say, honestly. This bird is dope. I hope one day to see a bird like this.