In memory of lost birds

In September 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed to remove 23 species from Endangered Species Act protection due to their likely extinction. The list includes 11 bird species, eight species of Southeastern freshwater mussels, two fish, a flower from Hawai‘i, and a bat from Guam.

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker’s place on the list made headlines nationwide. Advocates for the bird’s possible existence raised objections, however, leading FWS to schedule a public hearing in late January and to extend