The Condor/Volume 1/Number 2/Albino Dwarf Hermit Thrush and Western Robin

Albino Dwarf Hermit Thrush and Western Robin. Jan. 12, 1899 being a cold windy day drew many birds about the garden to feed, and while watching them from a window, one attracted my attention by its odd plumage, looking as though it had just arrived from the snowy regions. On shooting it I found it to be a partial albino Dwarf Hermit Thrush. Three outer tail feathers on one side are pure white while those of the other side are only tipped. The secondaries of the wing on one side were white-tipped, also several scattered white feathers on the rump and back. It proved to be a female and quite fat.

On Feb. 15, 1899 what was my great surprise upon shooting a Western Robin from a pepper tree to have drop at my feet one flecked all over with pure white feathers, particularly on the red breast, giving it a beautiful effect. The white feathers seemed to be much worn on the edges as though cut. This proved to be a female in good condition. Many of the birds of the high Sierras have been driven down nearer the coast than usual this winter. Mountain Bluebirds have been noticed for the first time in ten years. They spend their time hovering on the wing much like the Sparrow Hawks, over the early-sowed grain fields near the Bay shores. Their last appearance was Nov. 1, 1889. Observed this year on Feb. 11, 1899.W. Otto Emerson, Haywards, Cal., Feb. 20, 1899.