We'll admit right off that this post has very little to do with California bird conservation. Anyway, last night we took a look at a screening copy of Ghost Bird, a new documentary about the legendary Ivory-billed Woodpecker, which may or may not have emerged from extinction in the deep South. It's a fascinating story, with all sorts of twists and turns. Required viewing for both believers and non-believers. Still, perhaps the most compelling aspect of the film is the message it carries about bird conservation and our essential role in stewarding the birds and habitats that are in our control. We've heard the film will be debuted at the San Diego Bird Festival, so if you're there, you may want to catch it.