"White" Hawk

Thanks to Russ Reynolds for sharing these photos of a striking leucistic Red-tailed Hawk that has been hanging out in the Lima, Ohio area. This one is an exceptional example of an abnormally pigmented red-tail; it is almost entirely white.

I guarantee this bird attracts its fair share of attention. Leucistic raptors, especially ones that are this conspicuous, sometimes become local celebrities. Since they can live for a long time, such birds might haunt an area for years.

Thanks again to Russ for the shots! I also want to mention that Russ' photo of a Baltimore Oriole was selected for the inaugural Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, which will debut in March. Funds from stamp sales will go to support habitat acquisition and restoration, research, rare species conservation, and more.