The yellow cardinal lives on

Photo: Tom Ruggles

One of the most popular posts that I've ever made on this blog involved the spectacular bird in these photos. Almost exactly three years ago, Tom Ruggles of Zanesville sent along photos of this striking North Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, but it wasn't just any old run of the mill redbird. In fact, it wasn't red at all - it was a "yellowbird"! Technically speaking, this cardinal is xanthochroic (zan-tho-kro-ik). That fancy term describes a genetic anomaly that creates yellowish overtones in birds. Rather than rehash the workings of xanthochroism here, should you be interested, don your propeller-topped beanie and see MY ORIGINAL POST.

Photo: Tom Ruggles

The lutino cardinal shares the feeding station with a male House Finch and an American Goldfinch. Without doubt, this is the coolest cardinal that I've seen.

Last Friday, I participated in the Chandlersville Christmas Bird Count, which covers the Wilds and nearby rural Muskingum County. And there I finally met Mr. Ruggles, who brought this strange cardinal to light and has no doubt fed it many pounds of seed. And to my great surprise and pleasure, Tom reported that the yellow cardinal was still very much alive and well, and remains a regular visitor at his feeders!

Finding this to be rather awesome news, I asked Tom to please send along some recent photos and he was kind enough to oblige. And here we have it - the famous yellow cardinal of Muskingum County, at least three plus years of age and still kicking. I hope that this cardinal that was touched by Midas continues on for a LONG time!

Thanks much to Tom Ruggles for sharing his photos, and doing his part to support this bird!