Passenger Pigeon Memorial

(C) Fold the Flock and the Lost Bird Project

Today marks 100 years and 1 day since the last passenger, Martha, died in captivity.  At its height, the Passenger Pigeon was definitely the most populous bird in North America, if not the World.  Reports are that a passing flock could block the sun for days.  Several articles are going around about the loss of the Passenger Pigeon, the violence behind its demise, and the power that humans hold over the environment.  Many species and habitats are currently threatened across this planet.  Almost every bit of nature is threatened, managed or something to that effect.  The story of the Passenger Pigeon reminds us that we are truly capable of vast destruction.

Yet, we are not totally evil.  Look at the rebounding numbers of Falcons, Osprey, and Bald Eagles.  We are responsible for that as well. Many of those species were looking at extinction in the 70's and they are rebounding today.  We can never completely reverse what we've done.  We can't go and un-shoot the passenger pigeon.  We can protect several species today.  I've included some links below about the Passenger Pigeon and some of the lost bird projects that go on to keep its memory alive.

Two pictures of Passenger Pigeon Mountings at the American Museum of Natural History

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday - Link here

Fold the Flock - Link here

Lost Bird Project - Link here