I am curious about the statement that there is no proof whatsoever.
In April, I was channel flipping and found a satellite channel that was airing a lecture about this woodpecker.
The professor had a video clip of this bird flying off the side of a tree and into the woods. He went frame by frame pointing out various features that would distinguish this bird from the pileated woodpecker.
I'm no scientist, but I am an avid bird watcher on my own property, and I was quite intrigued. I could definitely see the differences. Of course, what I don't know whether the video itself is authentic.
There is much dispute about that video some say it's clearly an Ivory others say it's just an artifact of a camera angle and is just the Pilated. I hope it is an Ivory but no subsequent evidence has turned up to my knowledge. My question is does the ESA even list the Ivory for protection??? At the time it was passed the bird should have been considered extinct not endangered. Otherwise the above posts about passenger pigeons etc. would have some real world truth and not just be humorous.
So, Madeline, if you spotted one of these birds on your land, would you tell anyone? Why or why not?