lukedowney 的最愛

In this individual, phaeomelanin almost disappears and there is a poor oxidation of eumelanin.

As a result, normal brown feathers turn yellowish although the natural colour pattern of the species remains highly visible.

However, over time sun exposure can bleach the plumage to a nearly white colour.

I was lucky to observe this owl for about 20 minutes. When I first found it, it was actively looking around from a relatively open perch. It flushed to a more concealed perch after I attempted to approach it more closely. I heard it (or another individual) calling the following night in the same general area. (I'm about a year behind on my photos, but I had to expedite this one...)