So, I saw a post circulating here about the “extinction of birds in 2023“, with this picture attached
My, what a bold claim! All these poor birdies, “went extinct” in just one year alone? Why would such an outrageous, depressing and catchy claim be spread around?
Let’s fact check it.
All the species listed, Bachman’s wabler (Vermivora bachmanii, 1988 or 1980s), Kāmaʻo or large Kauaʻi thrush (Myadestes myadestinus, 1989 or 1987), Bridled white-eye (Zosterops conspicillatus, 1983 and 1983), Kauai ʻakialoa (Akialoa stejnegeri, 1969 or 1960s), Kauaʻi ʻōʻō (Moho braccatus, 1987 and 1987), Kauaʻi nukupuʻu (Hemignathus hanapepe, 1899 and 1899), Maui ʻakepa (Loxops ochraceus, 1988 and 1988), Kākāwahie or Molokaʻi creeper (Paroreomyza flammea, 1963 and 1963), Maui nukupuʻu (Hemignathus affinis, 1896* and 1996 ) and Poʻouli (Melamprosops phaeosoma, 2004 and 2004) are all, indeed, either extinct or possibly extinct, according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What are the dates after the scientific names? Well, those all are *last sightings* per IUCN Red List and USFWS accordingly. So, these birds were not seen for DECADES and in one case FOR MORE THAN A GODDAMN CENTURY. And sure as hell there is NO information about them very suddenly being gone all last year.
What’s the deal then? Where did this claim even come from? Well, likely from this article "21 Species Delisted from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction" from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It includes all the birds in the picture (with the last date of sight, listed above).
From the article: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is delisting 21 species from the Endangered Species Act due to extinction. Based on rigorous reviews of the best available science for each of these species, the Service determined these species are extinct and should be removed from the list of species protected under the ESA. Most of these species were listed under the ESA in the 1970s and 80s and were in very low numbers or likely already extinct at the time of listing.”
They didn’t ALL fucking suddenly drop dead all in the same year – if they did, as some other people have already pointed out, there would be an uproar EVERYWHERE. Ornithologists alone would not let it live down. They were officially delisted from endangered status by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that year, there was a proposition to do so back in 2021, too. Some were already declared extinct before by IUCN.
Despite not being seen for so long, they remained on the list of critically endangered for a long while, cause you cannot just immediately declare a species extinct. There’s no RTS unit amount number that goes to 0 once there’s nothing left; people keep checking for them over and over and over again. Sometimes it turns out that a species previously thought to be extinct is actually still out there. Attenborough's long-beaked echidna for example was last sighted SIXTY YEARS ago before being sighted again in 2023. It was thought to be extinct for a while, before 2007, when signs of its activity was spotted again. More often than not though, a species turns out to be actually very extinct, unfortunately – like in this case.
I cannot possibly know if the creators of this picture, or people that spread it on social media ever had good intentions behind it for awareness, however even if they did, it turned out to be nothing but very blatant misinformation, with a fearmongering effect. The only thing this achieves is not awareness of habitat destruction or pernicious tourist influence or climate change or what have you – the only thing this achieves is despair and panic. People already so casually fall into complete doomerism, they’re very used to hear bad news. And guess what doomerists do? Typically nothing. It renders people helpless. It’s not gonna make people get up and be ready for action, it, at best, would just make people feel sad and/or angry, or at worst, feed into the current alarming rise of ecofascism. NOTHING good comes out of this. At the very goddamn least, no one needs to lie to promote a goal.
The aim of the USFWS article, on the other hand, IS to make people aware about those animals that are already gone from the face of the planet, no matter how long ago, and that now we have to protect those animals that are critically endangered and still out there – to not have to repeat those tragedies.
Be very critical of what you see on the internet, especially if it’s sited with no sources. Especially-especially if it causes a strong emotional reaction. Lies and misinfo could only hurt the cause, no matter how noble. And please, be aware of your local wildlife status. Check in with it accoding to trusted sources.
[*sic, possibly a typo and it was meant to be 1996, other confirmed date listed there is 1989]
Addendum: I could not for sure find the uncredided (who woulda thunken that ppl that don't cite their sources would also not credit the artists) author(s) of the bird illustrations. If someone finds them, please, let me know!
Edit: Huge thanks to moosefinch for finding the sources for the artwork! I'll add their contribution below:
"Image sources!
The Kauai ʻakialoa, Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, Maui ʻakepa and Kauaʻi nukupuʻu are from Birds of the World.
The "Maui nukupuʻu" and "Molokaʻi creeper" illustrations are also Birds of the World, but are actually a female Kauaʻi nukupuʻu (the other being the male) and Laysan honeycreeper/Laysan ʻapapane respectively.
The bridled white-eye is by Lauren Helton according to this source.
Bachman's warbler is by Lynn Hawkinson Smith/smithhouse2 according to this Etsy listing.
The Poʻouli is by Christina Czajkowski."
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I need to know how ranchero Miguel convinced the parents to let him marry their daughter. Was it a shotgun wedding? 👀
Indeed 👀. Bit of Drama and slight angst under the cut.
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You had woken up nauseous and dizzy, for the third time in a row. Your mother was concerned. Had something made you sick? She was stricter with the kitchen staff to be more careful. But upon the wafting smell of your usual morning soup, an egg drop soup, entered your room, you retched on the bathroom, again.
You paled.
When was the last time your period came? It was hard to keep tabs when you were trying to attend other business and try to not die in the process. Two months and counting. You barely had the chance of seeing Miguel as well, since he had his own good share of work in the barn.
And he was the last and only man you have been with. Your hands went around your tummy and tears were in the verge of spilling. You were pregnant.
God, you were so scared. You knew how your parents thought of him, and for all you knew, they still thought you were pure.
But as things were going sooner or later They'd find out, probably kick him out and you'd be forced to marry a guy that looked like him to make pass the child as his. The thought scared you shitless, so you washed your mouth, bathed, got dressed and went to him.
He was talking with the foreman of another estate, but excused himself upon seeing you.
His smile faltered when you approached, solemn look, and red nose by the constant sniffling.
"Hey, hey. Come here. ¿Qué le pasa a mi chula?" (What's wrong with you, gorgeous?)
You whimpered and buried your face in his chest. He held you tightly.
"You mom got you on another date?" He rolled his eyes and you shook your head.
"Your dad tried to sell Luis again?" Another shake of your head.
"Then what is it? You gotta tell me,princesa."
"I..." You hiccuped, "I think I'm pregnant."
You could feel him tense and he made you look at him. You thought he'd be angry but the shine in his eyes proved you otherwise.
"¿Voy a ser papá?" He questioned with a excited yet strained voice. You just stared at him and he kissed you, deeply (Am I gonna be a dad?)
"¡Me vas a hacer papá!" (You're making me a dad!)
He was happy and you broke down.
"Why are you crying? Aren't you excited?"
"I am but... Dad will kick you out and... and.. -" You hiccuped and he just held you with a smile.
" Ps, que me eche. I've got my own home anyways. And if... things get bad, you'll come with me. Okay?" He squeezed you tightly and grunted happily, "Dios te vas a ver preciosa con esa panza toda grandota y redonda. Te voy a cuidar, vas a ser mi reina. Ya vas a ver."
(He can do that.) (God, you'll look gorgeous with that big and round belly. Imma take care of you, you'll be my queen. You'll see.)
He just kept rambling things you couldn't understand, but seeing him giddy made your aching heart to relax.
"I'll talk to him. I... Le voy a pedir tu mano." (Imma ask him your hand in marriage)
"W-What? are you sure of it? I mean, I don't want you getting hurt. He might look like an old man but... he knows his tricks.
"Your mother is the one that I'm concerned about."
And he was right.
"ABSOLUTELY NO." She had protested, the staff had been hiding behind the doors, listening to the scene unfold.
"How dare you asking for such thing!"
"Mom-"
"No. Who do you think you are?! Of course you won't marry her! She's set for better things!"
Miguel's eyes narrowed and your heart stopped with sudden rage.
"I want him!" You stood up, stomping your hands on the table.
"I'm old enough to decide on my own, Mom. I... I love Miguel." With every word that spilled from your mouth, she held her heart as your dad just pinched his nose bridge. He had been silent the whole talk, just glaring holes at Miguel.
"Good lord... Just... Imagine the scandal, the people... What would they say about you?! About us?!"
"They already talk shit under our nose, mom. Their opinion is irrelevant. None really approaches us if it's not for a favor."
"You... you brat!"
"I'm pregnant."
Miguel stood to calm you down as the fight kept rising. Your dad immediately straightened up and looked at Miguel.
"You." His voice venomous, but calm, "And you." He pointed at you.
"Tomorrow at church. 8 am."
"You can't be serious! You'll wed them?!
"Your yelling won't make her less pregnant. And I rather have them wedded than having an off marriage child. A sin." Your dad mumbled and looked at you, your rage seemed to be consuming you by how they spoke of your future child. Miguel's expression hardened, a low growl emanating from him.
"Once you're married, I want you both out of my property, got it?"
"Fine! I didn't want to spent my life being a fucking trophy wife for some rich man I barely know."
You were wedded, and despite your dad underlying sadness, and he wanting to swallow his words back, pride didn't allow him to speak and ask you to stay. Your mother didn't even look at your way.
Miguel had packed your things and put them on his truck. You left to a new life with him and your future family.
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heyyy! can i request a fluffy e-42 miles morales x fem!reader? i want anything. maybe not a toxic relationship though, if you can?
— Sweet Baby
pairing ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝ e-42!miles morales x reader
summary ⁺˚⋆。°✩₊ you and miles hit the one year anniversary and you guys decide to stay in to celebrate. this is where you find out that he is a hopeless romantic.
warnings ✧˖ ° fluff, hugging, kissing, mature themes (light), physical touch is miles love language and there is no room for argument, he also has a sweet tooth and no one can deny that!
m. list, main m. list.
translations ✧࿓☾ mi niña: my (little) girl, cariño: (my) dear, princesa: princess, bonito: handsome/pretty boy, tienes esa mente toda sucia: you have that mind all dirty, mi angelito: my little angel.
a/n . . ◟੭ hey, sweet anon! i love some non-toxic e-42 miles so i loved writing this, hope you enjoy!
"hello, tia morales!" you said excitedly as you walked into her home.
"mi niña! how are you?" ms. morales asked as she held onto your shoulder, encouraging you to walk further in.
"i'm good, how have you been?" you asked back with a kind smile.
"i have been good, cariño." she looked you up and down as you two stopped walking, humming at your outfit. "you look so beautiful and just perfect, everything my boy deserves."
you laughed, feeling your cheeks heat up at that comment. "thank you, tia."
"you're welcome, cariño." she smiled. "now, go upstairs to the roof. miles has been working on that since yesterday night, didn't want help from anyone, and it look—" she slapped her hand on her mouth, closing her eyes and cursing in spanish. "i wasn't suppose to say anything."
you laughed once again, something that was usual to do when in the presence of rio morales. "don't worry, i won't tell him." you smiled and made your way to the stairs that would lead you to the rooftop.
you suspected that miles had been lying this entire time and that he just had pretended to have forgotten your anniversary and invited you over last minute this afternoon to have ‘ramen noddles’ with you, and now you were glad that you had dressed up nicely just in case.
as you reached the staircase you noticed how it was decorated with yellow fairy lights and petals laid on each step leading up to the door of the roof where an awkward miles was standing and he was dressed up nicely as well with his hands in his packets, a timid smile on his face.
"hey, princesa." he said and reached a hand out.
you immediately went up the steps, not so fast so that you wouldn't fall but not slow either. when you got near him you took his hand and he pulled you up the final step, his other hand coming to rest on the small of your back.
"hey, bonito." you said and grabbed his neck to pull him in for a kiss.
he kissed you back, letting go of your hand and pulling you closer to him.
pulling away you squinted at him. "now why didn't you tell me you were planning this?"
"i wanted to surprise you, mami." he looked away, embarrassed.
a soft smile took over your features, and you put a finger under his chin, turning his face to you. "and i love this surprise, but what if i hadn't come dressed like this? i would look stupid next to my well dressed and handsome boyfriend." you fake pouted.
"you can never look stupid, ma." he shook his head and gave a peck to your lips. "now, you're going to put this on because the surprise isn't over." he lifted up a blindfold.
"uhh, what is that for?" you raised your eyebrows a few times.
"tienes esa mente toda sucia," he chuckled and started putting the blindfold on you, tying it in the back of your head. "don't worry you won't have it on for long."
"okay, i'm trusting you miles. don't lead me to the edge." you joked as he started leading you somewhere on the roof.
"i would never." you heard him say, but he sounded serious.
you two stopped walking and he took the blindfold off your eyes, you blinked a few times until your eyes focused again. the scenery in front of you made you gasp, it was beautiful and miles had done everything on his own.
on the floor laid a white with purple stripes picnic blanket that looked so delicate along with your favorite flowers inside multiple little bases that sat around the blanket, more fairy lights were lighting up the spot but this time in your favorite color instead of yellow, different types of foods and snacks that you and miles both liked laid there neatly and a cooler was open right outside the blanket showing your favorite drinks along with miles' favorites and water, board games like uno were also there on the blanket, and finally in the center of everything was a cake that was white with purple words that read 'one year down, forever to go."
"miles..." you looked at him teary eyed. "oh gosh!" you exclaimed, starting to fan your eyes. "i can't cry now, my mascara!"
miles laughed. "i take that as a you like it?" he sounded unsure.
"like it? i love it!" you jumped at him and wrapped your arms around his neck, and he hugged you back, arms coming around your waist. "thank you, thank you, thank you..." you whispered into his neck.
"anything for you, mi angelito."
you pulled away from his neck and kissed him, pouring in everything you were feeling at the moment into it. you wanted to tell him with that what words couldn’t describe and you hoped that he got the message.
after breaking off the kiss, you two settled down on the floor, sitting next to each other when miles pulled you into him making you lay your back against his chest.
“so…” you said. “what should we start with?”
“the cake.”
ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝ reblogs are really appreciated!
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