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DEAR JOAN: I spend much of my free time photographing nature, landscapes and wildlife. I’ve spent quite a bit of time on the Coyote Creek Trail over the last year and have seen some amazing wildlife including bald eagles, golden eagles and bobcats, to name a few.
Recently, however, I had a really amazing experience.
With the rain coming, I grabbed my camera and umbrella and headed out to the Coyote Creek Trail for another adventure, hoping to find some amazing wildlife. I went to a usual spot where I had been successful at spotting a bald eagle in the past.
As I arrived, I didn’t see any eagles, but I decided to explore the area anyway. After a few minutes, an adult bald eagle flew in from the southwest. I took a few shots, but was not able to get a good shot because of the distance. About 5 seconds behind the first eagle, a second, all white bald eagle flew in from the same direction.
I tracked it as it flew and saw that it landed in a nearby tree with the first eagle. I got closer and took a few shots before they flew away.
From what I can find, the eagle has a form of albinism called leucism. I have found some info on an eagle in Klamath, Oregon, but none in California, let alone San Jose. Many people don’t even realize San Jose has bald eagles.
The condition is very rare in raptors.
Darrin Underwood, San Jose
DEAR DARRIN: I suspect you’ll soon have lots of company on the trail when bird watchers learn about your discovery.
While juvenile bald eagles can have mottled coloring, the eagle you photographed does appear to have leucism, a rare condition found in only one of about every 1,800 raptors. The condition is slightly less rare in songbirds.
Leucism is different from albinism, which is even more rare in raptors. It sometimes is called partial albinism because many animals with the condition are not completely white; they retain leg, beak and eye color. Leucism and albinism have different genetic misfires.
Animals with leucism usually have a shorter lifespan. In birds, the lack of melanin in their feathers robs them of strength, causing the feathers to fray and fall out more easily. This can make it difficult for them to fly, and can also expose their skin to parasites and sunburn.
Songbirds often become targets of predators as their white coloration makes them stand out. Raptors have fewer predators, but the life span of a leucistic bald eagle is likely to be shorter than expected for an eagle.
Thanks for sharing your discovery.
Animal love stories
This month’s online slideshow is dedicated to the bonds pets make with other animals, or even their human caretakers. We’re looking for pictures of pets snuggling with their pals, romping through the dog park or otherwise engaged.
You can upload your photos on our website, or email them to jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com. Please include your name, your pets’ names and some information about them.