Passenger Pigeon Extinct

“The sun was lost to our view; yet not a Pigeon had arrived. Every thing was ready, and all eyes were gazing on the clear sky, which appeared in glimpses amidst the tall trees. Suddenly, there burst forth a general cry of “Here they come!” The noise which they made, though yet distant, reminded me of a hard gale at sea, passing through the rigging of a close-reefed vessel. As the birds arrived, and passed over me, I felt a current of air that surprised me . . . The Pigeons were constantly coming; and it was past midnight before I perceived a decrease in the number of those that arrived.”

— John J. Audubon