I am currently near one of the sites he will probably mention. I am on Martha's Vineyard, and I recall "possible sightings" from the Easternmost (Atlantic Ocean side) beach (which is long and deserted except for oversand vehicles - mostly birders and surf fishers). However I also have all the Mass reference books, and have learned that the last confirmed specimen was taken in 1908 in Newburyport (on the Vineyard in the late 1800s). However, the bird is still listed as hypothetical in the Birds of Martha's Vineyard 2d ed with a 1972 sighting recorded.All in all you would probably have a better chance at seeing an Ivory Bill. Warren Woessner
________________________________ From: Minnesota Birds on behalf of Clay Christensen Sent: Mon 12/22/2008 11:17 AM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Eskimo Curlew Program Jan 8 2009 The Search for the Eskimo Curlew: From New Brunswick Bogs to Argentine Pampas Bob Russell, Wetland Bird Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service January 8, 2009 One of the great mysteries in the world of birds is the lack of attention paid to a dwindling species, the Eskimo Curlew. At one time it was one of the most numerous birds in North America, now it hovers on the brink of extinction. In fact, many treat its extinction as inevitable, pointing to the few sightings since the 1960s. But Bob Russell and others think there's room for hope. Some believe the curlew still could persist in the vastness of the Argentine pampas and North American arctic. Russell, who has led two Maritimes expeditions in search of the curlew and has surveyed habitat in Argentina, will describe the bird's history and decline due to market hunting in the 1800s. He'll discuss the curlew's far-flung migration route, discuss sightings and searches as well as the bird's former stopover and wintering sites. "I'll also note the top 10 sites to look for this species, should anyone wish to mount their own search," Russell adds. Bird lovers everywhere are invited to this free Saint Paul Audubon program at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8 at Fairview Community Center, 1910 West County Road B in Roseville, just west of Fairview Avenue. The event is open to the public, with free parking. Come at 6:45 for the social hour and refreshments. Birdlovers everywhere are invited to this St. Paul Audubon Program on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Fairview Community Center, 1910 West County Road B in Roseville, just west of Fairview Avenue. Free parking is available on site; come at 6:45 for the social time and snacks. Relevant web site: www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/curlew/index.htm#contents [end] ---- Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html ---- Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
