Passenger pigeons were the most common bird found in North America. So common that flocks numbering 2 billion were up to a mile wide and 300 miles long. In other words, the average North American in the 18th and 19th Century saw a lot of these pigeons. You could easily argue that a passenger pigeon sighting in 1812 was something on the same scale today as seeing mind-numbing crap on TV. Not a particularly noteworthy or unique experience. So what took the passenger pigeon down? It was a combination of things but the biggest factor was that these pigeons tasted pretty good (a lot like chicken) and they were plentiful-hence a cheap source of food.bThey were wiped out at the pace of millions per year, so the last documented passenger pigeon named Martha died on September 1st 1914. In other words, something the average American had seen every day was extinct in a matter of a few decades. Quick extinction of a very common species is not a phenomenon exclusive to Mother Nature because cars can disappear overnight too. Here are a few that will soon be joining that “whatever happened to…” list.
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Recent Comments
Derek Kreindler - Yet another superb article in a long line of fantastic writing. I aspire to write such great prose.
PonchoIndian - Sundowner, I agree with you on some levels. It seems as if rational analysis is ofter thrown out the window and replaced with deep seated...
Derek Kreindler - JS, I think the 159 is gorgeous as well but unfortunately we don’t get it here. I think that the notion that design is driving...
typ901 - Thomas, Let me know when you are in Chicago. I’ll have a beer waiting for you. Thanks for sharing.
corntrollio - But what causes that lack of promotion? The Corolla Matrix (you meant Vibe, not Volt) still...
billfrombuckhead - Detroit is building much better looking products than the Japanese. The new Fusion and Edge are quite good looking and I see them...
28-Cars-Later - On paper perhaps but I agree Porsche 911 buyers and Jaguar buyers are not mutually inclusive. I also see this as an SLK competitor.
juicy sushi - Personally, I have to disagree Derek. While it is true that most sedans have taken on a “reverse-teardrop” silhouette as a...
Trauto - +1
28-Cars-Later - These should make nice toys after the traditional Jaguar 5yr/80% depreciation.