In November 2020, I intended to release a short story about two deadhead loggers who discover an ivory-billed woodpecker in a slough off the Neches River in southeast Texas. At the time, I was busy with contract work and opted for a story that wouldn’t require as much research. It would be another year before getting back to it…
In Cypress Slough
“In Cypress Slough” was released on November 24, 2021. When I started working on the story in September 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was considering delisting the bird (and 22 other species) from the Endangered Species Act due to extinction. (Of course, this didn’t stop many news organizations from saying the agency listed the bird as extinct.) It was strange writing a story about two long-time friends finding the bird on the brink of its possible real-world declaration of extinction.
“In Cypress Slough” ended up being one of my favorite stories I’ve written. It’s a story about friendship, the past’s effect on the present, industry, and the environment. Most of all, it’s a love story: to nature, to friendship, and new beginnings.
Back in the News
Two days ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a six-month extension on the final decision to delist the ivory-billed woodpecker from the Endangered Species Act.
Since the release of “In Cypress Slough,” I’ve received Google notices I never cleared about the bird: people claiming they had compelling photographic evidence of a female, calls, and other new footage. Looking and listening, nothing seems conclusive, no matter how much spotters claim their proof. But it all seems enough to open another 30 days of public comment.
The Future…
Who knows what will come of the extension; who knows if the ivory-billed woodpecker ends up officially declared extinct…that it actually is. Obviously, I hope the bird is out there. (Woodpeckers in general are badass!) That’s what I loved so much about writing “In Cypress Slough” — it’s a story of hope.
I’ve not listened to “In Cypress Slough” since sitting down with my wife on November 24, 2021 with a celebratory drink for its release. I think it’s time for another listen…
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