As many have heard, there is word out that a group of ornithologists and technicians claim to have compiled a body of evidence suggesting a population of ivory-billed woodpeckers is present in Florida. I say great! This development can only add positively to the learning curve associated with analyzing evidence of an organism that has not been assumed to be extinct.
Hopefully (in my opinion), the accumulation of evidence will become incontrovertible and lead to indisputable confirmation of the persistence of this species. That, in turn, will lead to a greater understanding of the ecology and behaviors of the species, which seem very much in continuied controversy. For instance, why did Tanner say that the species at the Singer Tract was very tolerant of humans, whereas current observers believe the birds are extremely secretive. How do we properly assess the various sounds and vocalizations made by these birds? If we never obtain the confirmation of ivory-bills in any location despite massive and ongoing search and detection effort, we may have to accept that prior methodologies of evidence analysis were faulty. In any event, an important learning curve is in development, and the possibility that a population exists in a given location seems to increase the probability that a definitive answer may be forthcoming. This is great news in my opinion. Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
