Starling with plumage abnormality captured on camera

Val Bain wondered if she had spotted a rare specimen when she managed to capture photos of an unusual-looking starling in her garden in the Springpark area of Thurso.

"It has a few white feathers," said Val, a keen photographer who enjoys taking pictures of nature. "I have never come across this before."

We showed Val's pictures to locally based RSPB conservation scientist Rob Hughes, who writes the Caithness Courier's regular Wildlife Sightings column.

Rob explained: "This is a common starling with a plumage abnormality, probably partial leucistic. This can range from having one white feather to an almost wholly white bird.

"It's not particularly rare, but always nice to see something a little different in the garden."

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