A bird that most people never see outside of pictures was found under a car in Pennsylvania, animal experts said. 

The Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Lancaster County said in a Facebook post on Friday that an albino cardinal was found under a car. 

The nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Washington Borough said it received a call from a woman who found a white bird under her car that appeared to be injured. The bird was also trying to drink water from beneath the vehicle. The post said that due to the dangerous heat wave, it has been admitting any distressed or unusually behaving animals for examinations. 

When Raven Ridge Wildlife Center’s team arrived at the scene, they said they were “instantly taken aback.” 

“Our eyes widened and our jaws dropped as we realized we were witnessing a rare occurrence that most people never see outside of pictures. This was a fledgling albino cardinal,” the Facebook post said. 

The chances of seeing an albino cardinal are “extremely low,” the center said, adding that albino cardinals are considered one of the rarest bird sightings. Estimates suggest that seeing any cardinal displaying white feathers is about 1 in 30,000, the center said.

“True albino cardinals, which lack all pigmentation, are even rarer,” the center said. 

What is the albino cardinal? 

The albino cardinal’s rarity is due to a genetic mutation that causes a lack of melanin, resulting in its distinctive white plumage and reddish-pink eyes, officials said. 

According to the center’s Facebook post, albino cardinals face “significant” survival challenges due to their “conspicuous coloration,” which makes it difficult to evade predators. The animal’s lack of melanin can also lead to poor vision. 

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center rescued the bird, which will remain in captivity because its chances of surviving in the wild are “slim.” 

“What an amazing opportunity for our team to see and care for this beautiful Cardinal,” the Facebook post concluded with. 

The state is in a drought watch for the first time since 2002

• Rhode Island’s governor has issued a statewide drought watch due to low precipitation and declining water levels.
• The state has received 13 inches less precipitation than average over the past year.
• Officials are urging residents and businesses to conserve water as the state enters the highest-demand season.

Concerns about the supply of fresh water are growing as Governor Dan McKee declared a drought watch on Wednesday and outdoor water use has been banned in some communities.

Westerly announced a ban on Friday, July 3, a few days after bans were implemented for Veolia Rhode Island water customers in South Kingstown and Narragansett.

On Wednesday, July 1, McKee issued a statewide drought watch on the recommendation of the state’s Drought Steering Committee, his office announced. It is the first drought watch for the state since 2002.

The watch followed an advisory last month, his office said. According to McKee’s office, a watch is the second of the following four progressive drought declarations: advisory, watch, warning and emergency.

According to McKee’s office, the committee recommended the watch based on “prolonged precipitation deficits extending back to June 2025, record-breaking low and steadily worsening stream flows, and rapidly declining groundwater levels across the state, with increasing dry conditions heading into the months of highest water demand.”

Summer brings highest demand for water

McKee said, “While our water supply is designed to withstand some level of drought, Rhode Islanders should be aware of the current conditions. As we head into the summer, which is the highest-demand season for water use, we strongly encourage residents and businesses to implement conservation measures now.”

Meredith Brady, chair of the Drought Steering Committee, said, “Rhode Island has received 13 inches less precipitation over the past 12 months than expected in an average year, which is having a profound impact on our groundwater aquifers.”

She said groundwater reservoir and streamflow patterns are at levels typically seen in August, not June.

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Four Burlington beaches are temporarily closed to swimmers because of cyanobacteria.

North, Texaco, Blodgett and Blanchard beaches are affected.

The beaches themselves remain open, but swimming is prohibited until cyanobacteria levels drop.

Click here for the latest updates on Burlington’s Beach Closure Tracker.

You can also check the state’s Cyanobacteria Tracker for reported conditions along Lake Champlain and various inland lakes in Vermont. The map shows where cyanobacteria blooms have been reported recently, but it can’t tell you the current conditions at your favorite swimming area.

Blue-green algae has frequently foiled swimmers in our region in recent years, repeatedly forcing officials to temporarily close beaches.

The blooms are typically blue-green in color, and can make water look like pea soup or spilled paint. They feed off nutrients in the lake and can produce harmful toxins.

Exposure can pose serious health risks like skin rashes, sore throats and stomach problems. They can also be toxic to dogs and other animals.