As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Friday 9 November 2018

Bird watchers flock to Devon field after rare find



One expert says he hasn't seen anything like it in 60 years

11:22, 2 NOV 2018

Bird-watchers are flocking to a field to try and catch a glimpse of a rare albino pheasant.

Footage has emerged of the bird that would typically be covered with brown feathers - but has no colour to a rare genetic mutation.

The pheasant, spotted in a field near Yelmpton, Devon, can be seen scurrying along before darting for the woods.

It was captured on camera by BBC journalist Jonathan Morris and its siting has been heralded by experts.

A video grab of the moment that a rare albino pheasant was spotted in a field near Yelmpton
Devon ornithologist Rodney Bone, who started bird watching nearly 60 years ago, said: "I've never seen an albino pheasant in all those years.

"It would be quite a treat to see one and for anyone interested in birds, so I hope it comes my way."

Rufus Sage, head of lowland gamebird research at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust said it was a very rare sighting.

He added: "It's an albino pheasant, a fairly rare genetic mutation or phenotype whereby the body can't make colour.

"It can occur in lots of animals including humans of course.

"Interestingly the male will keep its red wattles and you can sort of see that."

David George of the National Farmers Union, said: "It seems appropriate that this rather unusual, spectre-like pheasant has put in an appearance around Halloween.

"Hopefully it hasn't given anyone too much of a fright."

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