Grab bag

1. From a particularly clueless Knoxville News Sentinel article:

Understandably, this news was initially met with doubt and disbelief by ornithologists. However, after a sound recording was made available and reviewed, many altered, or at least relaxed, their positions.

"We were very skeptical of the first published reports and thought that the previous data were not sufficient to support this startling conclusion," said Richard Prum, an ornithologist at Yale University. "But the thrilling new sound recordings provide clear and convincing evidence that the ivory-billed woodpecker is not extinct."

Not everyone shares Prum's optimism, and the reported sightings are a source of debate, discussion and speculation. Of particular concern is the question of whether a mating pair exists.

This article should be corrected with some more recent quotes from Prum. (I've just emailed the author about this).

2. From another Knoxville News Sentinel article today:

Hoose gave five talks over three days, with speaking to audiences of young children as well as in college classrooms. All were free to anyone interested in attending.

When asked his opinion of any skepticism surrounding the alleged Arkansas spotting of the ivory-billed woodpecker, Hoose responded that he was cautious because of its close resemblance to the pileated woodpecker.

"I would like more and clearer evidence," he said.

But he was very confident and positive when he added, "I think it's certain that (the scientists who made the discovery) were qualified to make the call."

3. Elliot Swarthout is scheduled to speak about the search for the ivory-billed woodpecker tonight in Ithaca.

4. Check out this new Ivory-bill job posting.