The Ivory-Bill: Next Round of Debate

The New York Times has a long article today on the controversy surrounding the claimed rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker. Jack Hitt examines the controversy as well as the issue for conservation. This is a very interesting case, with highly qualified experts strongly disagreeing over the evidence. As for the search itself, it goes on - and, as Hitt describes, it goes on in the midst of argument, rivalry, and what can only be called political intrigue. The bird remains elusive, as if determined not to answer the question of its existence. As birder Bill Tippit explains, "You can't find the bird. The bird has to find you." Hitt compares the species to Schrodinger's cat: "both extinct from the planet and nesting in the swamps of Arkansas."

Thanks to Elise LeQuire on the National Association of Science Writers mailing list for bringing this to my attention.