Researchers Release Evidence Gathered During IBW Searches in Florida

On Sept. 26, 2006, researchers from Auburn University published evidence gathered after a year-long search for ivory-billed woodpeckers in the Florida Panhandle. In the online Canadian journal, Avian Conservation & Ecology, the scientists reported they had 13 ivory-bill sightings, and have recorded approximately 300 distinctive calls and sounds associated with the woodpecker. The researchers also presented evidence of some 20 roost cavities in the Choctawhatchee River basin north of Panama City, and "scalings," or foraging signs distinctive to ivory-bills.

While the researchers have said they fully believe they have discovered ivory-billed woodpeckers living in the river basin, they acknowledged the evidence -- which does not include a clear photograph or video -- is not conclusive.

The ivory-bill search in Arkansas will resume in December and continue through April and will again be led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Cornell team, working with the Conservancy and Audubon Arkansas, will lead rotating groups of up to 15 qualified volunteers in two-week-long searches. Official searches for ivory-billed woodpeckers are also taking place or are slated to take place this fall and winter in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas.

Learn more about evidence from the Florida search at www.ace-eco.org.

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