Advice to Searchers and Birdwatchers

Where should we start to search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in Florida, given that the state has more than 1,700 streams and rivers with a combined length of about 10,600 miles?

Within these areas, the two primary habitat types that should be explored are cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest.  Cypress-tupelo swamps (Image A) are forests that are flooded for prolonged periods and composed mostly of cypress (Taxodium spp.) and tupelo (Nyssa spp.).  These swamps are often found in oxbows, or land between extreme bends of a stream, and sloughs, or marshy, muddy areas, of the larger rivers.

Bottomland hardwood forests (Image B) are composed mostly of a diverse mixture of hardwood trees. This mixture of tree species varies with topography, but some of the species found in the wetter areas are water hickory, green ash, and overcup oak.  These forests, found along larger rivers, are flooded annually, but for a shorter period than the cypress-tupelo community.

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is listed by the State of Florida as an endangered species (F.A.C. 68A-27.003).  Thus, unless a permit is obtained from the FWC, it is a violation of state law (second degree misdemeanor) for any person to take (kill, harm, molest/disturb), possess, transport, or sell any endangered species or parts thereof or its homes (including trees and nests). Recreational activities that result in disruption of Ivory-billed Woodpecker nesting activity are considered a "take" of this species, and as a result are prohibited without a permit. Therefore, while we encourage interested birders to be vigilant in their observations of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers, all reasonable efforts must be made to avoid disrupting this species while searching for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

In addition, nearly all native bird species, including the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, are protected from take, possession, import, export, transport, selling, purchase, barter, or offering for sale, purchase or barter by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 703-712).

Please be aware that the woodlands near the rivers in which Ivory-billed Woodpeckers may still occur are frequented by venomous snakes, most notably cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins), pygmy rattlesnakes, and occasionally coral snakes, diamondback rattlesnakes, and copperheads. Therefore, while searching for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers, please be aware at all times of where you are stepping or placing your hands. Protective clothing such as hiking boots and snake chaps are highly recommended to avoid bites on the ankles.

Please determine the location of, and emergency phone number to, the nearest hospital before searching.  In the event of a venomous snakebite, proceed directly to the nearest hospital. Do not try to kill the snake, as this may increase your chances of being bitten by the snake again. It is also illegal to kill a snake on state-owned lands.  Please learn to identify these snakes. Color photos of venomous snakes in Florida, and further recommendations on avoiding venomous snakebites, may be found at http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-guide/Venomsnk.htm.