The albino hummingbird is still in Staunton, visiting feeders at the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Lawler. I believe this makes a little over two weeks since it
was first seen.
On another note, a photographer whose work we have used in "Nature Friend"
magazine just sent me photos of a white hummingbird he photographed last
evening in Morris County, New Jersey. The light was getting low and storm
clouds were rolling in so the eyes of the hummingbird were a little hard to
see well. The overall appearance of the bird is white, and the bill and
feet are pink.
Having looked at a lot of photos of albino hummingbird eyes in the last
week, I was/am suspicious the bird has pink eyes. I asked the photographer
if he could open the photo in Photoshop and lighten the file to see if we
can get a sense whether or not the eyes are red. He did that, as well as
increased saturation a little bit, and the eyes definitely have a reddish
color. He also sent me a photo of the eye detail of a normal ruby-throated
hummingbird at the same feeder, for comparison. Since the red feeder could
reflect a red color, is the red we see from that. Well, judging by the
appearance of the normal eye, and the reddish coloration that compares with
some of my photos in low light, I have cast my vote that this bird is
greater than 99% likely to be another albino hummingbird.
I've requested that the photographer give the bird directions to my yard so
when it migrates/blows south, I can have a closer look. I'll keep you
posted when it shows up.
Kevin Shank
