Birder of Paradise New York Times A birder's quest for the "Lord God Bird."
The great woodpecker hunt Boston Globe Scientists are in an all-out search for a bird that may be extinct
Bird species extinct? Apparently not AP The Beck's petrel, a pale-bellied bird species last seen in the 1920s and long thought to be extinct has been rediscovered near Papua New Guinea.
The creatures that came back from the dead Guardian Unlimited It's been a good week for the Santa Marta harlequin frog. Like some forgotten Radio 1 DJ, long-departed soap star or C-list celebrity, it has reappeared on the front pages after an absence of 14 years.
May 30, 2008
The one sure thing in nature and science is that there's no sure thing. Light is a wave. No, it's a particle. It's a wave and a particle!
Hurricanes never turn left -- until a 1900 storm did just that and pulverized Galveston.
Diseases are spontaneously generated by the body of the afflicted.
Scientists are generally careful to express their explanations -- right down to something as seemingly incontrovertible as gravity -- as theories. In our zeal to solve puzzles, however, we sometimes reach for more certainty than warranted.
Such is the case with extinction, which turns out to be not that final after all. Reports proliferate of "Lazarus species," animals that have been rediscovered after being declared kaput, demonstrating that threatened organisms can be quite good at not being seen when that is to their advantage. (There are also "Elvis species," which remain extinct despite declarations to the contrary, just as The King stubbornly remains dead despite endless reports of close encounters.)
The undisputed record holder for "Hey, I was just taking a nap!" surely has to be the coelacanth, a rather brutish fish widely represented in the fossil record and thought for centuries to have breathed its last some 80 million years ago. Until 1938, when a South African fisherman invited a local museum curator to get a load of the odd blue fellow that had wandered into his net. The fish was determined to be a coelacanth. Since then, hundreds of specimens of this "living fossil" have been found in various locations off the coast of Africa.
The ocean no doubt is a great place to hide, but how does one account for misplacing a large lizard on a small island? That would be the La Palma giant lizard, a resident of the Canary Islands thought to have shuffled off in the 1500s, but recently rediscovered.
We're also puzzled at how one could fail to notice the Lord Howe Island stick insect, a creepy crawler so big (almost 6 inches in length) it was sometimes referred to as "land lobster." They were no match, however, for a swarm of black rats that washed up on Lord Howe Island, a scrubby little pocket of land off Australia, and by 1920 the species was considered extinct. That was the bug's status until 2001, when a team of biologists discovered a healthy colony living on Ball's Pyramid, an even more isolated neighbor of Lord Howe.
But the Lazarus creature that has sparked the most excitement in recent times has to be the ivory-billed woodpecker, a big, colorful tree-puncher once common in the American south. Logging destroyed the bird's habitat in the 1800s, and by 1930s there were thought to be less than two dozen left. The species went through the usual sad progression from "rare" to "endangered" and beyond, finally being declared extinct in 1994.
That was pretty much the orthodoxy until 2004, when a team of authors and ornithologists investigating Arkansas' Cache River National Wildlife Refuge reported sightings of ivory-billed woodpeckers. Videotapes and other evidence appeared to bolster their claims, but skeptics say the birds depicted could easily be the common pileated woodpecker.
Since then, thousands of birders have invaded Arkansas dreaming of the first incontrovertible sighting of what the Sibley set now refers to as the "Grail Bird" or "Lord God Bird." Fame and glory await the birder to conclusively bring the ivory-bill back from extinction. And, like other such species, we imagine the birds themselves will prefer to return to existence, too.
Sexual frustration of the worst kind Eclectic Epiphytes and Electrophloretic Epigrams People call them cryptids. These creatures, presumed extinct, cast a delicious spell: we want to believe that they are out there, holding out against the odds.
Scientists excited by Indonesian-caught Coelacanth Candy Arts News Blog Two months ago Indonesian fisherman Justinus Lahama caught a fish so exceptional that an international team of scientists rushed here to investigate.
Australians worst at preserving wildlife Gadling ...surprising, especially if you consider how much Australians love their animals. Of all the mammal species that have become extinct in the past 200 years, nearly half are Australian, reports The New Zealand Herald. Since the British arrived, 27 mammals (about...
ExPat:
My son did one open water swim and swore never to do another until he had his black belt ...
— Spinner
May 30, 2008 5:52 PM
What extinct species is due for a comeback?
18% 6% 6% 71%
My personal extinction is of more concern than the extinction of an insect, bird or fish.
One species that seems to have become extinct is the California Beach Bunny. I remember in high school taking numerous field trips to beaches like Zuma, Malibu, and Santa Monica to do research. There were hundreds of them playing on the sand. Sadly, they seem to have become extinct. Although I've heard there are still sightings.....
Now, when I become extinct, I think reports of sightings may be greatly exaggerated. Or maybe not. If the Lord Howe Stick Insect and Elvis can make a comeback, there's hope.
I'm still sad about the dodos. They seemed like sweet creatures.
There's a skeleton of one in the natural history museum of Prague, I believe.
And speaking of personal extinction...
Spinner & ExPat: I might add from yesterday's discussion that my own husband nearly drowned surfing in Dec 2006, with my daughter and I on the beach watching and unable to help except to wave him towards the shore... he was back on the board not long after. I thought that was a usual surfer sort of thing, when you start to get serious about it...
That was the second year in the row we had a near-death experience in December... the year before we were trapped as our house burned down (completely) in the middle of the night. A month or so later, I enjoyed a very J Peterman sort of moment, standing outside my apartment on the beach, drinking a glass of champagne and ordering a very necessary little black dress by telephone.
Death by fire, death by water... thankfully 2007 passed without incident, and hopefully 2008 as well. Good health to you all!
In addition to marveling at the sheer tenacity and perseverance of certain species, it seems to me that the main gist of today’s topic is that being a professional scientist does not render one infallible. Not the biggest surprise, perhaps, but still worth noting. After all, it wasn’t long ago that we were discussing a similar issue regarding the planetary status of Pluto. The question of a species’ extinction is a close cousin to that earlier subject.
We are understandably willing and eager to take scientists’ findings at face value. After all, they’re the professionals and have presumably done their homework. But, in any field, there is the potential for human error even among the smartest of us. It is no surprise that so many scientists speak of “theories” and “opinions” when discussing their findings and discoveries because they are keenly aware that they could be out-and-out wrong! No animal COMES BACK from extinction; we were simply mistaken in believing them extinct in the first place.
Now, wouldn't it be wonderful if we were to re-discover the trilabites!
To: Heiress,
When I decided to do the triathlon (on a dare) I started to practice in a swimming pool. I then realized I'd have to swim in dark water on the day of the event. I was stuck. I had to do it. So I decided my practice sessions would be in the swimming pool at night, no lights on. But race day was a different matter and a funny story all by itself. Determination and fear of failure overcame panic and fear of drowning. When i got to the bike, everyone said "That's the fastest transition and take off speed ever!" That was because I needed to get away from the water as fast as possible.......
To: Spinner,
I answered your question about swimmers yesterday. The answer is on yesterday's messages.Thanks.
DreadPirateRoberts:
100 years from now, people are going to look back at us and laugh SO HARD at our foolish, superstitious scientific beliefs. Yeah, I think we'll still be around. ;)
ExPat: Sometimes when I'm out in the big blue, I imagine there are sharks under my feet to make myself swim faster!
Heiress:
I can't quite go with you there. Sure, people a 100 years from now will see that we were mistaken about certain things, but that's not remotely the same thing as superstition. An inaccurate deduction is very different from a bizarre leap of faith.
Today, we look back at the 18th century and think how silly it was that they used leeches and cupping in an effort to bleed patients. But, based on what little information they had, the practise made some sense. If there was sickness in the blood, remove the blood! It was a reasonably logical deduction given the limits of their information. It also happened to be wrong. But this is a far cry from beliefs like "It's bad luck to put a hat on the bed", "never whistle in a dressing room", or "don't step on the cracks in the pavement." Such superstitions are not based on consistent observation and testing.
It might be better to say that the conclusions of science are "suspicions" rather than "beliefs". To YET AGAIN quote my father (sorry for the running theme): "There are four kinds of evidence; things we suspect, things we believe, things we know, and things we can prove." Superstition is based on belief, while science is based on suspicion, knowledge, and at least the attempt at proof.
My theory is that there is a secret haven somewhere that is populated by all manner of species that are classified as being “extinct” that just keep to themselves, play cards under the moonlight, offer prayer to an “Elvis Bobble Head,” and when the right time comes, they purposefully “just reappear” (as determined by the best hand of cards the night before)’ just to do a “gotcha” on humanity; with the hope they will be more appreciated this time around.
I could be wrong about this, but so have the “experts”.
Be well
Spinner said...
SSJ, as always, I think you have hit it. Sounds reasonable to me. Back in the dark ages, when my husband was getting his PhD, he dug an archaeological site in a northern Michigan cave. He found all these bird bones. Hundreds of them. He couldn't get them identified for some time until it occurred to an ornithologist that they were passenger pidgeon! Nobody around had seen a complete skeleton of one since they were extinct but now the Univ. of Michigan has a wonderful collection, thanks to that dig. Haven't seen too many live ones lately though. Maybe they are back in the recesses of that cave, playing poker.
ExPat: Thanks for the reply yesterday. I am late getting on board today because I swam a total of 2800 yds today (some swim, a lot of pull, and some kick) before I did my three classes. Came home and napped! Distance swimming also should be done mostly with pulling and only a 2 beat kick (a la Janet Evans). The hip and leg muscles are the largest muscles in the body and therefore use up the most oxygen. So rely upon the upper body to get you through the water. Also, runners and bikers seem to be surprised that they get so winded in the swim part of a triathlon. One can't pant during a swim. Controled breathing is the requirement here so good cardio is essential to avoid cramping. You have to train your muscles to work at peak proficiency with less oxygen. Just a little hint into why swimmers do a bit better. Not so winded when they get to the bikes.
to Heiress:
I do indeed hope you get a free card for this year! Wow! Speaking of superstitions, I hope your disasters don't come in groups of three..
Got an e-mail today that I think ties back into yesterday and the fascination with pushing the envelope. check out
doyoutrustengineersct.pps
To: Spinner,
Thanks for the advise. I'm thinking of taking a swimming class for the triathlon I'm training for in August. If I can get the swim down it will be a plus, because I'm strong in the bike and I have the energy to complete the run.
There is a new "open water" swimming event for the upcoming Olympics. It's a 10k (6.2 miles). Should be exciting.
Spinner,
You top the cake when it comes to the best, most interesting, non-fiction tales about you and your dear anthropologist that you share with us. They are always thought provoking, often entertaining, and I always feel honored that you share them with us. Just thought you should know that.
Although I love to swim, I prefer to swim in solitude so I don't swim as often as I need to. To compensate, since I have to exercise daily but in such a way as it doesn't stress my weakened left leg (I've a bit of PPS going on), I have a fairly heavy duty rowing machine that I exercise on daily. It works all the major muscle groups and I'm able to let my one leg take a rest when it needs too. I call the room it is in "the lake". Whenever I finish rowing, my sweetheart will always ask me how the lake was. Was it smooth or choppy?
That was just a too-long way of getting to, "I hope the water in your pool is always smooth for you"
OK, enough off that, let's get back to the Dodo bird and hope he gets a good hand to play.
Spinner said...
ExPat:
My son did one open water swim and swore never to do another until he had his black belt in swimming. There is a great triathlete in Lexington KY, Susan Bradley-Cox. She is often asked to participate in meets around the country to attract others (and paid). She says that when there is an open water start, she always starts on the edge, never in the middle. Way too dangerous.
SSJ:
Thank you. And that has prompted me to impose on this site even further. My appologies, Mr. P.
My husband's book is nearly ready to go to press but for one glitch. The title. The publisher didn't like what had been used as the working title because it wouldn't "google well". We have spent the past 5 days trying to come up with something that is appropriate but catchy. We have decided that the sub-title should be "The Archaeology of the Falls of the Ohio Region". That explaines what it is about. But the main title. So. Here is a list of those we think are the better ones we have come up with, as opposed to one family member that suggested, "Old Crap from a Hole in the Ground". That one is out. Here is the list, numbered, not in any order of preference. Please vote for your top three. I figure that we are talking about extinct cultures here, so it does have some significance to the topic at hand. And if we don't get a good title, the book won't sell and will become extinct as well. So. Here we go: (Oh, by the way, the pic on the cover will be either an artifact or two and/or a archaeological hole with someone in it, trowling)
1. Unearthing the Past
2. Peering into the Past
3. Out of the Dirt
4. Sifting out Prehistory
5. Uncovering the Past
6. Revealing the Forgotten Past
7. Prehistoric Cultures Among Us
8. None of the above
9. Here's my suggestion.
Thank you for your indulgence. You can see how despirate we are, but I figure that the greatest minds of the 21st century should be able to solve this.
more on the honor rollTo: Spinner,
My votes: (1) 3. "Out of the Dirt"
(2) 4. " Sifting out Prehistory"
(3) 9. ""Shovel Babe" or "Sift and Ye Shall Find" : )
Spinner said...
Duely noted, LaDonna. Thanks
Good posts today! Stinks that I only have a moment to hop on.
Spinner, out of your current picks I also like: Out of the Dirt.
How about:
What Remains
The Archaeology of the Falls of the Ohio Region
Have a great night everyone!
Wyocowgirl said...
To: Spinner,
My votes are for (1) 3. "Out of the Dirt", (2) 4. "Sifting out Prehistory", (3) 6. "Revealing the Forgotten Past". Like SSJ, I too enjoy reading the tales you tell, which ALWAYS tie into whatever the daily topic is. Even when I don't get to check every day, I go back and read what I missed.
Black-footed Ferrets are another mammal that was thought to be extict until a Wyoming rancher's dog brought him a dead one, and the remaining colony was "discovered". They were all trapped, have been bred in capativity and several colonies have been reestablished in Wyoming and Colorado. They weren't extinct, but everyone thought they were, so no one was looking for them. Maybe they won the hand in the back of the cave that day.
I'd pick up a book that had a title such as;
#3 "Out of the Dirt"
#4 "Sifting Out Prehistory" or a variation of, such as
#9 "Sifting Out Forgotten Cultures"
"Forgotten Cultures Among US"
or if you want to go for shock value . . . "Holy #$%^, Look What We Dug Up"
Spinner said...
We are truly appreciating your input. Thanks for all the response.
Spinner, just some unsought advice. . . you may want to narrow the list down to your favorite two or three and then select amongst them. If you give us (well I'll just speak for myself) too many to consider, you'll end up with three times as many candidates as you started with. I speak from many years of painful corporate decision making meetings.
You may want to add "Soon to be a Major Motion Picture" diagonally across the upper half...
Spinner said...
SSJ:
Everybody likes "Out of the Dirt" as first choice. At this point, we will take all suggestions. When we contact the publisher with a list, they say, "You're closing in on a good one." That is the most frustrating part and we thought if we asked some intelligent minds that weren't so involved, we could get a clearer idea of what would attract people's eye. And "Out of the Dirt" seems to the concensus choice so far.
As far a a Major Motion Picture is concerned, the author is "reserving the movie rights" and says he has contacted Pamela Anderson to co-star with him in it. I'm not sure who or what part she will take, certainly not me, but then, my husband does have a very active fantasy life...
Whatever you folks settle on will be a winner. Let us know so we can all buy autographed first editions.
My last thought of the day..... "Sifting for the Past", oh geez, I'll be laying wide awake thinking about this all through the night now.
I dunno... I kinda like "Holy #$%^, Look What We Dug Up".
Spinner said...
SSJ;
now you see what we have been going through...
Again, thank you all for all the input. I will check tomorrow for any last minute entries.
To: Spinner,
I like "Out of the Dirt".
"Kentucky Spinner and the Search for Forgotten Cultures" (kind of like an Indiana Jones thing) could be a good candidate. George Clooney and Pam Anderson as the lead stars.
Thanks for the advise of Susan Bradley-Cox. I learned that lesson all too well in my first triathlon. I was so slow, the next wave of entrants swarmed over me like a shark feeding frenzy.
Spinner:
Sorry I took so long. Ironically, I just got back from seeing the fourth Indiana Jones movie. It's refreshing to come read the dilemmas of a real archeologist.
I'm definitely on the "Out of the Dirt" bandwagon. Without a doubt. A distant second would be a slight variation on one of your titles, "Our Prehistoric Cultures". But, funny as it sounds, SSJ has a very valid point with the truly eye-catching and memorable "Holy #$%^, Look What We Dug Up". That, like your already rejected "Old Crap From a Hole in the Ground" would absolutely catch my eye if I saw it on display at the bookstore. And it would Google like gangbusters!
Spinner:
Greetings. I agree with our pirate friend. I would surely pay attention to a title like the ones he mentioned. How about a take off on "our history from a hole in the ground"?