When a retired biologist from Oak Ridge National Laboratory noticed an unusual, brightly colored bird in her backyard in Kingston, she contacted Jimmy Tucker, president of the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society.
Tucker, a professional photographer, arranged to meet with the woman recently. They sat on her porch to wait for the feathered creature to make an appearance. It took four and a half hours, but the rare yellow cardinal finally showed up. Tucker was able to take some pictures of the bird, and returned later for more photos.
Tucker said the bird seemed to be actively displaying mating behavior; he expects it will be returning for some time.
According to National Geographic, chances of spotting a yellow cardinal are one in a million. One has been reported in Alabama, one or two in Georgia and now one in Kingston.
The homeowner has named the bird Yellow Saffron.
