Just when I had posted the photos of the black phase of the Gray Squirrel on my blog, this white hummingbird showed up in central Ohio! This bird was first mentioned in Jim McCormac’s blog, Ohio Birds and Biodiversity, and was featured again in the blog TrekOhio by Deb and Bob Platt on October 25 (thanks to Deb & Bob for permission to use this photo). This white phase, or leucistic, Ruby-throated Hummingbird appeared at Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville. Leucism is different than albinism. An albino animal lacks the melanin pigment while a leucistic animal has a genetic condition that prevents the distribution of melanin to its feathers or fur. Note that this bird still has the dark eyes, bill, and feet. The TrekOhio blog says that this bird might continue its migration south any day now, and that was on Oct. 25th. So you may want to confirm that the bird is still there before making a trip out to try to see it. Check out the awesome TrekOhio blog here.