Ivory Billed Woodpecker

[RJP]

What's the consensus - do they still exist, or are the reports of sightings just mistaken sightings of pileateds?

[pikemaster789]

They do exist, I know they made a big deal about it last year, there was at least one mating pair discovered in some swamps in like mississippi or alabama

[RLWagner]

They do exist, I know they made a big deal about it last year, there was at least one mating pair discovered in some swamps in like mississippi or alabama

That would be Arkansas. I had the priveledge of watching a pair of Pileated's at our cabin suet feeder this past weekend. For 25 years we have had a number of mating pairs in the area. In my opinion, the most beautiful of all Wood Peckers.

[MickeyFinn]

That would be Arkansas. I had the priveledge of watching a pair of Pileated's at our cabin suet feeder this past weekend. For 25 years we have had a number of mating pairs in the area. In my opinion, the most beautiful of all Wood Peckers.

Those are the type that woody wood pecker styled after right? If so I have one that has been around for years. He or she has made home in a swap just off a local stream.  I watched it for awhile on a few occasions and man all I can say is what a nutty bird. Had me chuckling a few times.

[pikemaster789]

Actually where my cottage is, we have a pretty good population of the pileated. Those things are huge man. We have a wood deck with suet feeders and sometimes they peck the wood, you can feel the big vibrations in the house. Pretty awsome

[RLWagner]

Those are the type that woody wood pecker styled after right? If so I have one that has been around for years. He or she has made home in a swap just off a local stream.  I watched it for awhile on a few occasions and man all I can say is what a nutty bird. Had me chuckling a few times.

Yea, the Woody Woodpecker type allright. About 15" tall or so. They are fun to watch as you have found out.

[WindKnots]

Saw one outside my buddies cottage last year in the 1000 Islands.  Was probably 20' away, just so cool to see.

Wow they are big too.

[flockshot]

yeah i think the ivory billed woodpecker still exists..they found a few and theres been more then one sighting by people who are actually looking for them, like universty reserchers and what not. its just good to know that they found them on areas managed by duck hunters initially! whooo hooo!

[RLWagner]

yeah i think the ivory billed woodpecker still exists..they found a few and theres been more then one sighting by people who are actually looking for them, like universty reserchers and what not. its just good to know that they found them on areas managed by duck hunters initially! whooo hooo!

Have any of the environmentalists, or University rep's provided any proof of such sightings? I have heard of none so far, and would welcome such proof. I have heard that the sightings will generate expense accounts for further research, and that the validity of the sightings is in question.
I would be thrilled to learn of the bird existence, and hope it is true.

[OTIS]

I read an article about it in the Smithsonian magazine last year (?) and it said that they were trying to keep as much as they can about the sightings a secret.