University officials and representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are scheduled to hold a press conference Friday (April 1) to discuss the impact of the discovery of a rare bird on the Carolina North property.
A significant population of Eudyptula carolinians, commonly called the Carolina penguin, was discovered at Carolina North during the annual Christmas bird count. The birds’ nesting grounds are near one of the prime building sites on the 1,000-acre property.
The flightless bird, light-blue in color, is listed as endangered by the federal government, which led to an immediate halt to excavation work near the nesting grounds.
Mac Edemia, UNC’s vice chancellor for construction, said new plans that may shift development to the Carrboro portion of the property are under consideration and will be laid out in detail at the press conference.
Joining UNC officials at the announcement will be Fish & Wildlife Assistant Deputy Director Orrin Thalogyst, who will outline the penguin protection plans.
Scientists believe the birds may be the naturalized descendants of a flock that escaped decades ago from the collection of former UNC hygiene professor Horace Williams. Williams was known to keep several species of rare birds at the airport grill and lounge he operated after retiring from teaching.
— Staff Reports
Hmmm…. Fueling the debate, again, on mixing news and tomfoolery?
April Fools!
Happy April 1 to you too…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eudyptula
Photos!
Maybe like this: http://www.wildlifearchives.com/public/polar/animals/.little-blue-penguin_m.jpg
or this: http://naturescrusaders.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/little_blue_penguin_eudyptula_minor_-group_at_adelaide_zoo.jpg
Asking my favorite Council person to lobby for some of these signs:
http://www.new-zealand-pictures.co.nz/little-blue-penguin-sign-oamaru-otago-2506-pictures.htm
I WANT A CAROLINA PENGUIN !!!!