I chose the image of the very last dusky seaside sparrow (which died in 1995), preserved in formadehyde, lying in a jar. This sad yet beautiful specimen made me think of all of the different species whose habitats have been threatened (and, in some cases, destroyed) and their chances of survival diminished. In order to renew my sense of hope for those who have survived thus far, even if there are not many of them left, I have chosen to resurrect the dusky seaside sparrow. I gave him a sparkle in his once deadened eye and fluffy feathers to represent youth. The dusky seaside sparrow is no longer extinct.
Original image: National Geographic, January 2009, p.91
Zoë Wyner
