Talk about standing out like a sore thumb.
A few days ago the leucistic (pied) male Red-winged Blackbird paid another visit to my backyard feeder. I’ve been seeing him for at least three years now but his visits are rare and sporadic and unlike the other blackbirds that visit my feeder, he’s extremely shy. If he spots me in the back yard, he invariably takes off and leaves while all of the others remain. He’s a very nervous Nellie.
In the past year I began seeing him again on December 22, 2024. I’ve seen him four times since then but this is the first time I’ve been able to get photos since that day. They aren’t great photos but they document the sighting.
That morning I had my feeder next to my grapevine on the east side of my yard and I was sitting in the deep shade on my patio, so at first he didn’t notice me as he was feeding on the last remnants of my seed cylinder. I believe this shot was taken immediately after he first spotted me.
He grabbed one last peanut and took off away from me. This is exactly the same pattern of white feathers he’s had for at least three years, through at least six complete molts. This is the first time I’ve noticed that both ventral feathers of his alula are also white.
I usually try to avoid naming birds (I think it can border on being disrespectful of their wildness) but in this case I haven’t been able to resist. At first I considered naming him Tuxedo or Oreo (both suggested by Marty) but as time has worn on I’ve settled on Luke, short for leucistic.
Works for me. I hope he likes it because in my mind, that’s what it is and what it will remain.
Ron
I like the name Luke, Ron. It fits. (Of course, “Luke, I am your father,” immediately popped into my head, but that’s probably just me.😉) I’m so glad he stuck around long enough for you to get a couple of shots of him. He is quite the handsome gent! Hope you have many more moments with him!
Glad you approve, Marty. I liked your suggestions too, but Luke just struck a chord with me.
What a gift to have “Luke” visit your yard.
Take Care,
Kaye
Agreed, Kaye.
I am thrilled that he still is visiting and hope he does so for a loooong time to come.
Thanks, EC.
Sounds like you have a forever friend. Thanks!
At least a long-time friend, Judy. Hopefully.
All of the red-winged blackbirds around here right now are short-tempered and feisty, dive-bombing runners and bikers (not to mention other birds). I wish some of them would take a cue from Luke’s attitude, at least when it comes to humans who aren’t trying to bother them! It’s always a treat when I see reference to him in your blog.
I’m glad you enjoy seeing photos of him, Melanie. As far as I can tell, there isn’t a mean-spirited bone in his body. He’s just timid and shy.
I like Luke. Luke of the Bible, Luke Easter old Cleveland Indians, Luke Skywalker, and a couple friends named Luke. Ron, here in Prescott we literally have hundreds of Red-winged Blackbirds in flocks sometimes joined by the Yellow-headed, but in all these years of watching them and taking photos I have never seen a leucistic.
Glad you got to see him again.
Thanks, Everett. I had to look up Luke Easter. “Batted left-handed and threw right-handed.”
Remarkable, even within the birding community, that you see such a unique fellow like “Luke” for so many years.
I agree, Michael. I feel pretty lucky.
Beautiful! Luv the contrast between the black and white. Nice to see just how much white he has on him. Glad he grabbed a snack on his way out. Luke seems appropriate…… 😉
Yard is very noisy right now with various nestlings screaming for grub. For some reason the Grackles aren’t bothering the Magpies this year tho they do take exception to any coming in from the nest across nest creek. Watched one actually body slam an adult the other day!
“Watched one actually body slam an adult the other day!”
Now, I’d pay to see that! Thanks, Judy.
What a handsome dude– how fine that you’ve gained his confidence
( or at least your feeder has ) ! I’m interested in that “cylinder” seed feeder;I’ve not seen one like it before, and it looks like it hosts a
LARGE cylinder and would last a long time. If I can find one, maybe
like you I could attract such a good-looking visitor.
Kris, I got that feeder at Wild Birds Unlimited. I also get my seed cylinders that fit it there. They have two sizes and one of them is very large. The cylinders are expensive but very high quality. The one I always buy is packed with lots of dried mealworms, along with a variety of seeds, nuts and fruit.
Au contraire – I think it’s a sign of respect and admiration to name him. He’s spectacular in his unique coloration. I wonder if birds have a way of referring to each other. They certainly do communicate.
Good question, Burrdoo. I dunno…
I missed this one in the past. What a treat! Black and white always is an elegant combination. When it’s combined with natural rarity, it’s even more striking. Lucky you!
“Lucky you”
That’s certainly the way I feel, Shoreacres. Of all the people he could have chosen to honor with his occasional presence, he chose me. And I’m grateful.
Fun post! I’m glad he’s still visiting you!
Thanks, Joanne. Me too.