Another species on the edge of extinction (or perhaps even extinct): birders and ornithologists were excited last year at reports of ivory-billed woodpeckers being spotted in a swamp in Arkansas. There was even a video tape, but of the same quality level as the bigfoot videos that showed up in the 70s.
A thorough search of the area has turned up no ivory-billed woodpeckers. It would be unfortunate if this species—a 50 cm tall woodpecker—were truly extinct.
I have seen pileated woodpeckers in the St. Louis area, which are similar in coloration, though “only” 40 cm tall, and those are incredible birds to see. An ivory-billed woodpecker would be even more of a sight.
eNature Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
eNature Pileated Woodpecker (pronounced pill-ee-ay-ted or pie-lee-ay-ted)
Grace and Peace