Wonders - Vol 1 No 1 - 1992

Magazine Overview

WONDERS, Vol.1 No.1, April 1992, is an "irregular issue" published by Mark A. Hall from Bloomington, MN. The cover prominently features the headline "Thunderbirds!" and includes imagery of bird claws and a monstrous head, suggesting a focus on large, possibly mythical or cryptid birds.

A Reply to the Cryptozoology Review

The primary content of this issue is a lengthy response by Mark A. Hall to a review of his book "Thunderbirds!" by Angelo Capparella in the journal Cryptozoology. Hall addresses what he perceives as complacency among scientists, particularly ornithologists, when confronted with evidence for the survival of large extinct birds like Argentavis magnificens and the existence of giant owls.

Hall refutes specific points made in Capparella's review. He explains that the absence of original film out-takes from the Huffer film was due to copyright issues, and that the drawings used in his book served as adequate illustrations. He clarifies that a quotation regarding the toes of Teratornis merriami, cited by the reviewer, was not about Argentavis magnificens, but rather about a different species, and that his book also noted the limitations of T. merriami in carrying prey. Hall acknowledges that the view of A. magnificens as a larger version of the La Brea teratorn morphotype is speculation.

He argues that while scientists may favor their own speculations, they should clearly state this. Hall welcomes corrections of nomenclature and citations of scientific literature, noting that these are often the only constructive contributions scientists offer on such topics.

Hall dismisses the reviewer's suggestion that California condors might explain Thunderbird sightings by explaining that his discussion of the condor's range was adequate and that he had already investigated this possibility.

He contends that condors should not be arbitrarily altered to fit Thunderbird reports, nor should the reports be altered to fit condors. The resemblance to vultures is expected, as teratorns combined characteristics of vultures and eagles. Hall states that the widespread appearances of these birds are not improbable, as they are migratory and were once far more numerous.

Regarding the misidentification of known birds, Hall asserts that his book addressed this throughout, particularly in the first three chapters, where he chronicled the failure of bird experts to explain away Illinois reports with known birds. He criticizes conservative scientists for their "unreasonable dismissal" of the Illinois reports, calling them the most compelling evidence due to neglect and lack of investigation. He suggests that complacent scientists are not interested in new evidence unless it is easily presented.

Hall criticizes the reviewer's expectation that further research will be done by nonprofessionals, comparing it to expecting airplane spotters to report UFOs. He argues that amateurs are not encouraged to expand their studies beyond established categories, and that doing so would lead to questioning of their credibility.

He notes that neither amateur nor professional publications have adequately covered the record of giant bird reports. He cites an editor of Nature Magazine who, in 1936, used a false report of an eagle carrying off a child to argue that such stories were used to denigrate eagles and support their persecution. Hall believes this mindset has historically prevented serious consideration of Thunderbirds.

Hall addresses the reviewer's point about the lack of an "extensive food source." He states that his book specifies the birds' diet, which is not reliant on a single source. Historically, bison were a food source, but as bison declined, so did the birds' habitat. He lists various prey items, including whales, caribou, pigs, cattle, lambs, dogs, sheep, horses, moose, elk, and people. He references the 1977 Illinois reports indicating opportunism, with birds taking live prey like pigs and attacking humans.

He mentions a news item about Lapp herders in Norway complaining of "giant eagles" taking reindeer in 1991, a point covered in his book's chapter on the worldwide appearance of giant birds. Hall suggests that Lapp herders are less likely to be disturbed by ornithologists than by the actual events.

Hall criticizes the reviewer for taking a statement out of context to criticize the inventorying of the planet's species. He reiterates his point that North American biologists often claim "all the field work has been done," and questions whether the reviewer shares this view, asking if giant owls (dubbed Bighoot) are possible in his mind, or if only stray condors are permissible finds.

Regarding the Huffer film, Hall states it remains with the photographer in Illinois. He also mentions a feather from eastern Texas being sent to Steve Wylie at the St. Louis Zoo in 1977.

He concludes by stating that the problem of giant birds has only sparked typical, ho-hum reactions from scientists, whose approach to mysteries abandons advancements to curious amateurs. He believes scientists find this satisfactory and have no selfish reason to change their approach.

Memories of Thunderbirds

This section, written by Mark A. Hall, delves into the historical and folkloric aspects of the Thunderbird. Hall posits that the Thunderbird of American Indian legend has become the "monster bird" of the Twentieth Century, and that these predatory birds have always existed, though their continued existence is ignored by formal recognition.

He cites John Josselyn, an Englishman who visited New England in 1638-1639 and 1663-1671, as an early source. Josselyn's writings, including "New England's Rarities Discovered" (1672) and "An Account of Two Voyages to New England" (1679), describe a bird called the "Pilhannaw or Mechquan." Josselyn described it as a monstrous great bird, four times the size of a goshawk, with purple feathers, a head as large as a child's, and a diet of fawns and jaccals, not preying on other feathered creatures. It was said to nest in the high hills of Ossapy (now the Ossipee Mountains in New Hampshire).

Hall notes that the size and habits described recall the modern concept of the Thunderbird. He contrasts the colorful plumage described in Indian traditions with the gray and dark feathers reported in modern sightings, suggesting that modern birds may have adapted for less conspicuousness. He believes that while modern birds may be descendants, they might not be as colorful as their ancestors when they flourished in greater numbers and were not threatened by human weapons.

Another indication of the Thunderbird is found in Massachusetts, mentioned by A. Hyatt Verrill in "Along New England Shores." Verrill recounts a story where a giant bird raided Indian villages and carried off children, and the giant Maushope pursued it to Nantucket, where he found the bones of missing children.

Hall addresses the argument that if Maushope, a giant, is not known to exist, then the giant bird mentioned is also questionable. He counters that "giants" like Maushope are vouched for by traditions, tracks, and fossil support, similar to the evidence for Thunderbirds. He emphasizes the importance of considering each topic on its own merits rather than lumping them together.

He concludes that giant birds were known to Native Americans, and this recognition was passed down through stories. If more is to be known, the task lies ahead for those willing to pursue it.

Books of Note

This section reviews several books, all related to mysteries, folklore, or cryptozoology. Mark A. Hall provides brief descriptions and ordering information:

• AMERICAN INDIAN MYTHS & MYSTERIES by Vincent Gaddis: Originally published in 1977, reprinted in hardcover in 1992 by Indian Head Books. Priced around $6.00.
• THE GREAT CYPRESS SWAMPS by John V. Dennis: Published by Louisiana State University Press in 1988, originally $29.95, available at half price. Contains cryptozoological material.
• EXTINCT BIRDS by Errol Fuller: Published by Facts on File in 1987, New York. Priced around $20.00.
• IN SOUTHERN LIGHT by Alex Shoumatoff: Published in London by Hutchinson in 1986, detailing Amazon legends and travels in Zaire. Remaindered at $4.00.
• THE ENIGMA OF LOCH NESS: MAKING SENSE OF A MYSTERY by Henry Bauer: Available in a 1988 softbound edition from University of Illinois Press for a few dollars.
• DIMENSIONS: A CASEBOOK OF ALIEN CONTACT by Jacques Vallee: The hardcover edition from 1988 is remaindered, originally $17.95, now around $4.00.

Hall also recommends the state atlas & gazetteer series published by DeLorme Mapping, praising their detail and affordability, with prices ranging from $12.95 to $14.94.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of "forteana" – events and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, particularly concerning large, unidentified flying or terrestrial creatures. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mark A. Hall, is one of advocacy for the investigation of such mysteries, critical of what he perceives as the dismissive and complacent attitude of mainstream science. Hall champions the idea that unconventional phenomena, like Thunderbirds, deserve serious consideration based on historical accounts, folklore, and eyewitness reports, even when they fall outside established scientific paradigms. The magazine positions itself as a platform for "Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries," encouraging readers to explore these topics beyond the confines of conventional scientific inquiry.