The
Ivory-billed Woodpecker, known in birdwatching circles
as the "Lord God Bird," or "Holy
Grail Bird" was the largest woodpecker found
in the United States. Its bright red crest, large
white wing patches, ivory-white bill, and hawk-like
size were said to evoke the phrase "Lord God!"
among birders.
In
the early 1900's, populations of Ivory-billed Woodpecker
crashed after the bottomland forests of the deep
south were cleared away for agriculture. The woodpecker,
which required huge tracts of unspoiled land, could
not adapt. By the 1930's, only a scattered few were
left, and by the middle of the century, it was thought
to be extinct, though it wasn't added to the endangered
species list until 1967. There were many unconfirmed
sightings throughout the south during the next decades,
but none were accompanied with a photograph or recording.
Then
on April 28, 2005, a group of wildlife scientists
and biologists affiliated with the Nature Conservancy
and the Cornell University Department of Ornithology
confirmed that at least one Ivory-billed Woodpecker
had been sighted in the Big Woods of central Arkansas.
The investigation was undertaken after several reputable
wildlife watchers had claimed to observe the birds
in flight over the Cache River and White River National
Wildlife Refuges. The observers were so overjoyed
by the sighting, that they reportedly broke down
in tears. The physical evidence was based on a sketchy
photograph and several recordings. The findings
were kept secret for over a year so that measures
could be taken to purchase and protect the land.
Upon
word of the discovery, birdwatchers across the world
rejoiced. The story made national headlines and
was featured on the front page of major newspapers
throughout the United States. People were overjoyed
that a species previously thought of as extinct
may still persist deep in a wilderness rarely penetrated
by human beings. The town of Brinkley, near where
the Ivory-billed Woodpecker was observed, even conducted
an Ivory-billed Woodpecker festival. Today, much
of Brinkley is decorated by hand-made Ivory-billed
Woodpecker items.
The
search for conclusive evidence of the Ivory-billed
Woodpecker's existence continues today. Recently,
scientists searching for the birds in the Florida
panhandle claim to have made 13 Ivory-billed Woodpecker
sightings. Unfortunately, the scientists were unable
to record their findings on film. Although dozens
of scientists have claimed the existence of the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker to be true, many people
are not convinced. There remains no indisputable
physical evidence. The photograph is sketchy at
best, and many of the recordings and other evidence
could be attributed to the similar Pileated Woodpecker.
Nevertheless, there is currently a $10,000 reward
for anyone who can lead a certified wildlife biologists
to an active Ivory-billed Woodpecker site.
Today,
the search continues. Scientists are currently searching
through the swampy woods of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas,
Mississippi and Florida.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
