-- Odds/Ends --

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I didn't cover the decision of a judge last week to halt a multi-million $$$ irrigation project in Arkansas that might impinge on Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat, because it was a "temporary" decision and I knew it would simply promote controversy. I do find it interesting though that the numerous vocal critics of the decision seem very quick to assume that they are privy to all the evidence that the judge had at his disposal. Perhaps, perhaps not.

Tomorrow will be the 33-year anniversary since a father and son, both bird-banders familiar with Campephilus woodpeckers in Argentina, had a credible sighting (and hearing encounter) of an Ivory-bill along the Ogeechee River, about 25 mi. west of Savannah, Ga.; but what the hey, that wuz 33 yurs ago, probly dun't mean a durn thing these here days, huhh Verne.

...speaking of skeptics, how many skeptics does it take to screw in a light bulb? Apparently 2; one to screw the bulb in and one to videotape the whole affair to prove that the first guy did what he claims he did. -- Actually, kinda wondering just how many (don't send in your answers, it's a rhetorical question) self-proclaimed skeptics will even be left standing (in quicksand) by this time next year? ...with them in mind, lastly, some light verse from poet Robert Service:

"They have cradled you in custom.
They have primed you with their preaching,
They have soaked you in convention through and through;
They have put you in a showcase;
You're a credit to their teaching;
But can't you hear the Wild? -- it's calling you.

Let us probe the silent places,
Let us seek what luck betides us;
Let us journey to a lonely land I know.
There's a whisper on the night wind,
There's a star agleam to guide us,
And the Wild is calling, calling... let us go."

-- Ciao.
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