Welcome from Missi, Avian Ambassador at Wild Bird Rescue, Inc.

I came to Wild Bird Rescue in the summer of 2009. Some woman found me on the ground and picked me up. Good thing she knew what to do. She took me to Wild Bird Rescue. At the door, a nice lady named Lila, picked me up and took me into a room called the infirmary. After a complete exam, Lila put me in this large box called a carrier. I stayed there for a few weeks while everyone decided what to do with me. Because I had completely lost my left eye, I would not do well if released back into the wild. The Migratory Bird Act of 1918 says I have to be releasable or be euthanized. Lucky for me Wild Bird Rescue decided to keep me around as their first education bird. I like to be called their Avian Ambassador...I think that sounds more important. Don't you? I will be going out to schools in the fall to help with presentations. I wonder if I get to use PowerPoint? I hope you enjoy keeping up with my trials and tribulations while I am learning how to work on the glove.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

September 14, 2010

This leucistic (piebald) common grackle was photographed at the Wichita Valley Airport by John McMurray.    Although unusual, it does occur in all animals.  Most notable in horses, crows, and ball pythons but is also found in many other species. In contrast to leucism is albinism, which always affects the entire animal.  A further difference between albinism and leucism is in eye color. Due to the lack of melanin production in both the retinal pigmented epithelium and iris, true albinos typically have red eyes due to the underlying blood vessels showing through.  Leucistic animals have normally colored eyes.  That’s all today from your local one-eyed reporter!  Phee Phew!
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