Recently a friend sent me a picture of a rare yellow cardinal who resides in Alabaster, Alabama. The distinct look is identified as a rare genetic mutation that knocks out the pathway for production of red pigments. Due to his appearance, the cardinal has been named Mr. Yellow by Charlie Stephenson and photographer Jeremy Black, who were the first to spot him. Within the last couple of months he and a female cardinal were seen feeding two chicks in their nest. Mr. Stephenson said even though Mr. Yellow was "different" the female accepted him as he was and they started this little family together. A facebook page entitled The Yellow Cardinal is dedicated to the life and journey of the couple and today it was noted that there are three more eggs in a nest. It remains to be seen whether or nor Mr. Yellow's mutation will be passed on to his offspring. I hope I have done him justice with my painting.
No comments:
Post a Comment