Audublog mentioned that one of the rice farmers that is working cooperatively with Audubon to improve habitat for migrating birds discovered a Burrowing Owl on his farm. It turned out it wasn’t just any Burrowing Owl but a leucistic Burrowing Owl.
In a posting at the California Rice Farmer Blogs it is reported by farmer Don Bransford that
“…the owl was a leucistic Burrowing Owl. According to Wikipedia: “it is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals and humans. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment not just melanin.” I also did a slight amount of research online and discovered that a leucistic Burrowing Owl was described in a 1984 research paper so my discovery is not the first, but very exciting all the same.”
To read the full story and see a photo of the owl go to: California Rice Farmer Blogs
Natural History Wanderings 
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