DISAPPEARANCE OF CHECKER MARATHON LEADS TO NEAR EXTINCTION FOR CHECKER-PECKING BIRD

NEW SANCTUARY AN ATTEMPT TO SAVE  THREATENED CHECKERPECKER 

A Checkerpecker sits atop an old Checker fender at
the Save the Checkerpecker sanctuary in Yogi Schortz's backyard

The Checker Marathon, a vehicle most often recognized in taxicab guise, disappeared in 1982, and now scientists are warning that the Checkerpecker, a bird that relied on the car for its habitat, is in danger of extinction.

"The Checkerpecker is probably attracted to the car's yellow paint, and it pecked on the hood, fenders and trunk in an attempt to lure a mate," explained Yogi Schortz, a professor of ornithology at Larry and Bud's Barber College.  "Now that the Checkers are gone, we're seeing the birds disappear, too."

Schortz, who serves as president and sole member of the Save the Checkerpeckers club, recently opened a sanctuary for the noisy birds in his backyard.  "So far, we have one Checker fender and one Checkerpecker, but we're hoping to get more," he said.