2013 Rare or unusual species, Southern California

This Albino Red Tail Hawk was a sighting not to forget. I was so glad to get some nice photos of it. Whether it's a leucistic hawk or not, I'll let you decide. He did not have any pink in It's tail, but rather red dirt from the plowed field he hunted in. Seemed to be picked on by other Red Tails, either that or he was trying to take their territory.

Theres no greater thrill than to get in touch with nature, when they look you in the eye. Especially something so rare as this Albino [leucistic?] Red Tail, you are lucky to see it once in a lifetime. Here is info on the difference between an albino and leucistic animal. You decide.... Leucism (or Leukism) Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures. Albinism is a different condition. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that in albinism the eyes are usually pink or red, and albinism affects the entire animal, not just patches.

Beautiful Leucistic/Albino hawk, I thought he/she looked a tad larger than a Red Tail, but it may have been a female.

This Red Tail was clearly all white, the small colorings, I believe was dirt from the field he hunted in.

Leucism (or Leukism) Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures. Albinism is a different condition. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that in albinism the eyes are usually pink or red, and albinism affects the entire animal, not just patches.

Albino Red Tailed Hawk, I do not see pink in his tail.

Leucism (or Leukism) Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures. Albinism is a different condition. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that in albinism the eyes are usually pink or red, and albinism affects the entire animal, not just patches.

No pink tail, evidence of possible an Albino type bird.

I have photographed at least two Golden Eagles in Orange County over 3 years, and also observed them in the desert. They are rare here, and it breaks my heart to see their hunting grounds torn up at the two air bases in OC. They most likely will have to move on to be able to feed themselves. Such a beautiful species. Crows and cement are all that is going to be left in OC. Hunting ground prey in field areas are how they survive. What a shame that their endangerment was disregarded here. I don't know of anywhere else in the country where this would have been allowed. There is just not enough nature advocates here to matter, nor was anything challenged. Typical OC/Irvine.

Take a good look, they will soon be gone from this area.

Golden Eagle looks back at the Irvine Crow. Hey buddy get the wide load off the road, this is Irvine, ya know?

hehheh, ya think ya gonna turn that tank around on me? ;)

It's up to us to see that our next generation will be allowed to enjoy the majestic flight of a Golden Eagle. I'm afraid it will be over with in this generation, because plainly, people just don't care. And they have no clue of what it takes to continue sharing this earth wisely with the original species that belong here. I do not believe humans are wise enough. Because the only selfish culprits are the humans.

Golden Eagle, Irvine

Golden Eagle

Kit Fox, a rare sight, they exist in a few areas near Gorman and the deserts, seen roaming not far from their dens until evening, when they hunt for prey or anything humans may have left around.

Sweet little guy, I am assuming this Fox being smaller than the other den area that it may be a male that has left to be on his own.

Female White Headed Woodpecker. nests in pines in or near forests. Lower coastal areas on occasion, in the winter. This one was in the desert.

Mountain Chickadee comes down for a visit during the Winter also.

This is the year of the fox for me. Pretty close to extinct in Orange County, irradicated decades ago. Making a comeback in some inland valleys, Orange County still having some sightings due to a reintroduction of them in the 90's. This one qualifies as a Gray fox, even though it was the Red Fox introduced.

Beautiful animal, I enjoyed observing this for the first time in my life. We can only hope that our future generations don't lose the value of conservation and open space for these beautiful creatures. Feeding areas are of the utmost importance for their survival. You can't just shove them into a corner and expect them to survive.