Bald Northern Cardinal in Lincoln

Sighting Date: 
September 6, 2012
A bald northern cardinal in Lincoln, photographed by Harold McAleer.A bald northern cardinal in Lincoln, photographed by Harold McAleer.A bald northern cardinal in Lincoln, photographed by Harold McAleer.
Harold McAleer photographed this northern cardinal that lacks feathers on its head.  Cornell University's Project FeederWatch offers some explanations for this strange sight, which is most commonly seen locally in cardinals and blue jays.