Hunt for ‘extinct’woodpecker

 

State –of-the –art  robot technology has joined the hunt for the ivorybilled woodpecker, one of America's most majestic birds that for decades was feared extinct. Scientists from California and Texas have developed a robot that scan the skies and pick out birds from other objects, using complex algorithms that send cameras whirring into action whenever a bird is spotted.
The cameras have been installed in the Cache River national Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas, where conservationists hope they will capture evidence of the elusive woodpecker, often described as "The Holy Grail" of bird watchers. The rare bird was believed to be extinct after it vanished six decades ago. But a flurry of unconfirmed sightings in recent years has fuelled speculation that it may have survived.

(The Hindu, 19th February 2007)