While sifting through a mountain of email I came across a request for volunteers for another Cornell ivory-bill search season:
We're gearing up for another season of IBWO searching and would like to invite you to become involved in a volunteer capacity again this season. We value your expertise and hope you'll consider continuing with us. Please visit this web page for more information. It should tell you all you need to know initially. You'll see that there is also an opportunity to volunteer in South Carolina this season. I do not have any information about the volunteer situation in this state. I am merely sending all the applications from interested people to their IBWO state coordinator. He/she will be in touch with you separately if you choose this state instead of Arkansas.
If you're interested in volunteering in Arkansas, please go to the application and fill it out again. For questions #7, 8, and 9 you can simply write returning volunteer since we're familiar with your qualifications. This will shorten the process dramatically. We do need an application on file for you so we have your updated contact information and preference for volunteer period. If you're applying to South Carolina you should complete the entire application to the best of your ability.
I will be in contact with you sometime in November to discuss dates and send out more details about Arkansas.
Interesting that they are searching South Carolina this year and there is no mention of Florida. I say that because of Birding Is Not A Crime's post about the Florida ivory-bill rumors. I have heard about this rumor in various forms from various sources (one VERY credible) all year and was threatened to within an inch of my life not to blog about it. However, since BINAC already has it out there, and I have had three people in the last month who shouldn't have heard about it ask me what I know I figure the cat is out of the bag.
This rumor has nothing to do with the crazy guy who was putting decoys in trees and calling it an ivory-bill, this is pretty credible. I wonder if this means Cornell is not part of the Florida bit or if it really is a "ground zero" and they are only sending staff and not volunteers?