April 29, 2005

Scientists have spotted an ivory-billed woodpecker in the wild. One male was spotted in an Arkansas swamp. There hadn't been a confirmed sighting since the 1940s.

NY Times link A personal account of seeing the bird. Audubon's information on the bird.

  • I heard the story on Morning Edition this morning- the best thing I heard all day! It was really something to hear the guys get kind of choked up about seeing the woodpecker. I hope the species can make a comeback- they're beautiful birds(and pointy pointy!).
  • Excellent news!
  • You beat me to it, patita! Happy link!
  • happy link indeed, meredithea! it made my day. but it wasn't until later in the day that I realized it hadn't been shouted out to all monkeys. now let's hope the fellow has a mate!
  • Three cheers for the woodpecker! I remember when I was young I had a thick book called "Rare and Beautiful Animals" with Audubon-style paintings of endangered and extinct creatures, and the ivory-billed woodpecker was one of the ones I liked best and wished were un-extinct so I could see it. The possibility that I could see one for real thrills me unspeakably; but for now I'm just glad they're around.
  • caution live frogs found a link to the video. it's quicktime, and in the video press release link. The footage comes about 30 seconds in, if you don't want to watch the whole thing.
  • I wonder how it tastes.
  • ...kinda like chicken, I bet.
  • “The Grail Bird” by Tim Gallagher. A Man in Search of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker... [RealAudio© program available on the page].