Ivory Billed Woodpecker

[D Boone]

Anyone heading to the swaps of Arkansas on a birding expedition??? I must admit... I am a little star struck with the thought of that bird being alive, but with that video being the only real proof, I am still a little sceptical. The first person to get a good publishable shot of that thing is going to make the cover of National Geographic + every other magazine in the world. Well, maybe not forbes:). Its gonna be the first celebirdty shot from a birarazzi... Seriously though, that person is going to be on every morning talk show, PBS... I mean the race has got to be on among the serious... I wonder if it will be a Canon that gets it!

[O/confusion]

Anyone heading to the swaps of Arkansas on a birding expedition??? I must admit... I am a little star struck with the thought of that bird being alive, but with that video being the only real proof, I am still a little sceptical. The first person to get a good publishable shot of that thing is going to make the cover of National Geographic + every other magazine in the world. Well, maybe not forbes:). Its gonna be the first celebirdty shot from a birarazzi... Seriously though, that person is going to be on every morning talk show, PBS... I mean the race has got to be on among the serious... I wonder if it will be a Canon that gets it!

I totally understand the passion birders have for their hobby, but is getting a photo and making yourself famous really more important than letting this species have soom room and some time to reestablish itself in peace?

Terry

[D Boone]

Sorry, didn't even go to the general chat this morning.. Moderators please feel free to move!

I don't think most people understand where this bird lives... Most birders don't/won't have the fortitude to find it... The people that do hopefully will be responsible about their adventure.

[robertwgross]

If this bird were being wrestled to the ground and held there while four photographers snapped flash shot after shot of the poor bird, then that would be a problem.

However, if this bird is flying around up in the trees and doing what it is that woodpeckers do naturally, and if the nearest photographer is sixty feet away, down on the ground, straining to get some kind of telephoto shot, then I don't see this as a problem.

---Bob Gross---

[ssim]

I tend to agree with Bob on this to a certain point. As long as the photographers behave themselves.

We thought that we were very fortunate this winter when a large group of Great Grey Owls stopped near Montreal. It wasn't long before the area was inundated with bird watchers and photographers from everywhere. It wasn't long before we noticed alot of behaviour (mostly from photographers) that wasn't being kind to the birds.

The point that I am trying to make is that if the location of one of these rare birds is publicized I would hope that the animal protection branch of the state in question does make sure that they are not harmed in way. There are photographers out there that will go to great lengths, some being unethical, to get the right shot.

[BlueTit]

Amazing with all the lens / binos etc out there this bird has been thought extinct for 60 years. They must be good at staying out of trouble. Great to hear though, I made the English news yesterday.

[O/confusion]

The point that I am trying to make is that if the location of one of these rare birds is publicized I would hope that the animal protection branch of the state in question does make sure that they are not harmed in way. There are photographers out there that will go to great lengths, some being unethical, to get the right shot.

Yes, I guess that's what I was concerned about when I made my initial response--a few genuine bird enthusiasts who also happen to be diligent and responsible photographers are probably, as Bob indicates, not going to be a huge problem; the potential danger is from inconsiderate yahoos showing up in droves who may stop at nothing, if unchecked, to get that big money shot.

regards,
Terry

[Titus213]

Hey, not to worry about the bird. I read this AM that the federal government is getting together a few million to protect it. Hard to figure how that bird survived for all this time without government help...

[CyberDyneSystems]

Th issue would not be a single photographer at 60 foot distance,. a single carefull photographer,. the issue is that this is international news, and the concern is the impact that a pilgrimage of thousands of photographers and bird watchers would have on an otherwise pristine and uninhabited environment. The trash, the noise,. that such an exodus of sight seeeres would bring. This is the threat to the Ivory Billed and it's current environment.

The impact on this particular bird would in fact be catastrophic. If all of us "bird enthusiasts" dropped what we were doing and flocked down to Araknsas.. we can pretty much guarantee that the Ivory Billed will be doomed. There is a resaon that it has not been seen since 1944... it thrives only in areas where humans are particularly comfortable.

People and the Ivory billed Woodpecker don't mix well.

[Richard51]

Hey guys and gals, I'm from Arkansas, and "tickled pink" that the Ivory -billed Woodpecker has been seen here. YEA!!!! Now, for those of you who don't know about the swamplands of Southern Arkansas.... they are NOT a place where just anyone can or SHOULD attempt to go on their own. These swamps are FULL of poisonous snakes, especially Cottomouths.(The people who went to confirm the sighting, also counted 17 Cottonmouths in 20 minutes according to a news report published here.) It is also VERY easy to get lost in these swamps even for those experienced in the outdoors. It is a totally different enviroment to what most outdoor enthusiasts are use to. I doubt very seriously that photographers will come "by the droves" simply because of "location, location, location!!! If anyone is tempted to take the risks, I suggest you read up on cottonmouths before you go. Oh, and also have your last will and testament up to date. Also, mosquitos grow quite large there as well. I heard one landed at an airport down there and they put thirty gallons of fuel in him before they realized what he was!!! Of course there ARE some tall tales told here as well.
Just my thoughts.
Richard

[CyberDyneSystems]

Richard,. yes it is good to know that the area is so full of "natural defenses" against the casual tourist! :)

..as well as populated by such individuals as yourself ready to share this info with others!

I bet the dept of culture and tourism loves you! :lol: :lol:

Love the bit about the mosquito :)

[Paul A]

Wow, who knows what other long lost mysteries might be there as well; maybe there'll be an Elvis sighting.

[CyberDyneSystems]

:lol: The news keeps calling the Ivory Billed "The Elvis of Birds" becuase of all the mysterious "Elvis sightings" of the Woodpecker over the years..

[JTF]

I tried to watch the video clip of the ivory billed but got an error message.

[robertwgross]

The impact on this particular bird would in fact be catastrophic. If all of us "bird enthusiasts" dropped what we were doing and flocked down to Araknsas.. we can pretty much guarantee that the Ivory Billed will be doomed. There is a resaon that it has not been seen since 1944... it thrives only in areas where humans are particularly comfortable.


I don't think that is what you meant.

---Bob Gross---

[ssim]

I don't think that is what you meant.

---Bob Gross---

Given the typist in question I think we can excuse it. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[CyberDyneSystems]

'Not" ...

You know,. I'm sure it's not my typing skills at this point,. I just have a very hard time actually getting the letters I type to sit still,.

...they either find a way to re arrange them selves when I'm not looking,. http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2hdzu/pics/gossip.gif


...or they even sometimes,. as in the case above,. manage to run away all together. http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2hdzu/pics/popworm.gif

I think they need obedience training.

[Richard51]

Richard,. yes it is good to know that the area is so full of "natural defenses" against the casual tourist! :)

..as well as populated by such individuals as yourself ready to share this info with others!

I bet the dept of culture and tourism loves you! :lol: :lol:

Love the bit about the mosquito :)

Sorry Cyb, but the "casual tourist" :rolleyes: would be in for a rude awakening if they planned on "tiptoeing thru the tulips" in the swamps of south Arkansas:lol: :lol:

[robertwgross]

In the Arkansas swamps, a casual tourist would be taken by the swamp rabbits, and then never heard from again. Nasty country. Only worse when you get to Louisiana.

Ivory-billed woodpeckers would only live there because nobody else will.

---Bob Gross---

[lost]

LOL, I love Louisiana. I have been all over the country and not a single place compares for diversity of wildlife. From bears to gators we got it.

I believe that Bloo know what he is talking about! Belive it or not I am from further south than Plaquemines, but its not the wildlife that you need to worry about. Some of those (us) cajuns get kinda crazy when northerners (north of I-10) come snooping around.

But in all seriousness I was very suprised to hear about the Ivorybilled Woodpecker. I would LOVE to see this bird make a comeback, it is so beautiful. I have seen 2 mounted in museums and both are so old they are deteriorating badly.

Maybe this would be a good candidate for cloning like they are doing at the Audobon Zoo. If there have to be more unless these things have one hell of a life span.