Wonders - Vol 7 No 3 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: WONDERS
Issue: Vol. 7 No. 3
Date: September 2002
Publisher: Mark A Hall Publications
Country: USA
Theme: Giant birds, folklore, eyewitness accounts.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, titled "Birds That Carry Off People," delves into the mysterious and often unsettling accounts of large birds abducting humans and animals. It seeks to explore the truth behind ancient legends and modern-day reports, presenting a collection of evidence, testimonies, and analysis.

Birds That Carry Off People: An Exploration

The main article, written by Mark A. Hall, begins by acknowledging global traditions and folklore concerning giant birds capable of carrying off humans to their deaths. It references mythical creatures like the Simurgh, Imgig, and Roc from the Middle East, the Griffon and Vuokho from Northern Europe, and the Pou-kai from New Zealand. The article also notes the presence of the Thunderbird legend among native peoples in North America, the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes region, extending to South America.

One specific American Indian account, collected by Frank Speck from Marie Denis in Labrador in 1919, is presented. This story, titled "ME'TCO, THE EAGLE ABDUCTOR," recounts a boy being carried off by an eagle to its nest on a mountain. The boy, initially refusing to eat, eventually adapted to the nest environment and was later returned to the ground by the eagle, thus reaching home safely.

Ornithologists are noted as being skeptical of such accounts, deeming it impossible for known birds of prey to lift a young person. However, the magazine asserts that modern accounts suggest otherwise.

The Norway Eagle Abduction Case

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a report from Norway in 1932, concerning a gray sea eagle accused of carrying off a young girl. This incident, widely mentioned but not extensively discussed outside Scandinavia, is detailed through a translation of an article from the newspaper Aftenposten by Steinar Hunnestad, the chief investigator. Hunnestad's investigation led to a book titled "Ørnerovet" ("Eagle's Prey"), published in 1960.

The article details the case of three-year-old Svanhild Hertavar, who weighed 19 kg and was carried by an eagle from the Kvaløyvik bogs to Haga Mountain, a distance of two kilometers. She was found asleep on a rock shelf 20 meters below the eagle's nest after a search involving one hundred men. Hunnestad presents several points of proof and witness testimonies:

1. Search Party Conviction: The extensive search party was convinced Svanhild could not have reached the precipitous mountain on her own.
2. Physical Evidence: Svanhild had marks from eagle claws on her clothes and breast, with her dress and underwear partly torn, suggesting a struggle or forceful carrying.
3. Lost Items: A shoe and handkerchief lost during the flight were found below the mountain, not on a direct path, suggesting the eagle used a 'cover flight' along the mountainside.
4. Witness Testimony: Rescuers heard Svanhild say, “The big gull was bad. The big gull took me!” a name she used for eagles due to her familiarity with large gulls.
5. Reconstruction of Events: Hunnestad theorizes the eagle carried Svanhild to about 250 meters height, but due to the weight, had to set her down on a shelf lower than the nest. The eagle was unable to retrieve her, possibly due to her crying and screaming frightening or angering the birds.
6. Eagle's Behavior: The eagle reportedly flew with its legs hanging straight down and was later called the "Svanhild-eagle" by locals.

Further corroboration comes from Dr. K. Fossum, the district physician who examined Svanhild, and from witnesses like Erik Torvik (sheriff) and Nikoline Benjaminsen.

Zoologist Dr. Hartvig Huitfeldt-Kaas, sent by Aftenposten in 1932, declared the event reliable after his research, stating that his opinion on the ability of large birds of prey to transport heavy burdens changed significantly.

Zoologist Edvard K. Barth also wrote about the incident, concluding that "Science cannot deny the facts, and as far as I can see there is no doubt as to the accuracy of the kidnapping on Leka."

The magazine also briefly mentions a similar case in 1838 in the Swiss canton of Valais, where a five-year-old girl, Marie Delex, was lifted and carried off by a large bird, her body later found on a mountain ledge.

The Thunderbird and Modern Sightings

The article then shifts to the concept of the Thunderbird, suggesting it is the explanation for giant bird reports throughout the Americas. The name "Thunderbird" is described as the most descriptive and famous.

Thunderbird sightings have been reported for the past forty years, with recent reports from Alaska in 2002, where Eskimos and a bush pilot sighted giant birds. An Anchorage newspaper also reported on a pilot and passengers seeing a giant bird with a 14-foot wingspan. Sightings have also occurred in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The magazine emphasizes its intention to focus on the threat these birds might pose today, rather than repeating all published material on the subject. It references colorful stories from Jack Pearl's writings in men's adventure magazines, such as "Monster Bird that carries off human beings!"

Tracing Accounts and Legends

Pearl's sources are noted as sometimes difficult to trace, often relying on word of mouth. However, traceable accounts include a story of a private pilot in the Hudson River Valley in 1961 who saw a bird larger than an eagle, and recollections from Hiram Cranmer of Pennsylvania.

Pearl also invoked the names of frontiersmen Jim Bridger and Daniel Boone. Bridger reportedly described a "giant bird, too big for either an eagle or a vulture," attacking a mule. Daniel Boone is said to have claimed seeing a Thunderbird carry away a five-year-old Indian boy.

Pearl himself acknowledged that "campfire tales cannot be taken too seriously." He also recounted a doctor's report from 1933 about a family attacked by a giant bird near Ivanpah, California, where one wing was estimated to be 14 feet long.

Pearl is credited with popularizing the search for a Thunderbird photograph, claiming one exists showing a giant bird nailed to a wall.

The California Internment Camp Incident

A particularly eerie incident is recounted from a 1944 California internment camp for Nisei (Americans of Japanese origin) during World War II. Over several months, more than half a dozen internees disappeared. While initially thought to be escapes, investigators were told by the internees that a "giant bird" had carried them off. Local Indians working around the camp also reported seeing a monster bird. Following this, the camp guard was reinforced, and the disappearances ceased. Notably, none of the internees who escaped from this camp were ever found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a stance that, while acknowledging scientific skepticism, gives credence to eyewitness accounts and historical folklore regarding giant birds. The editorial tone suggests a belief in the possibility of such creatures existing, whether as surviving ancient species like Argentavis magnificens or as the legendary Thunderbird. The focus is on presenting these accounts as potentially factual mysteries worthy of investigation, rather than dismissing them outright. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of these legends and sightings across different cultures and time periods, hinting at an underlying reality that challenges conventional zoological understanding. The magazine aims to seek the truth in a universe of mysteries, and this issue strongly supports the idea that giant birds capable of extraordinary feats are part of that mystery.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated September 2002, features a prominent article discussing the phenomenon of 'Thunderbirds' – large, unidentified bird-like creatures reported throughout history.

The Thunderbird Phenomenon

The article begins by referencing "Jack Pearl" (Jacques Bain Pearl, 1923-1992), an author who wrote about Thunderbirds and is credited with initiating the modern discussion of the topic in *Saga* magazine. The author notes that Pearl's work, while memorable, is difficult to assess. Another author, Gladwell Richardson (1903-1980), also wrote about Thunderbirds under pseudonyms like "Maurice Kildare," detailing accounts from Oklahoma of giant birds encountered before the Civil War, including instances of men battling and killing them, and the unearthing of a large bird corpse.

The text then addresses the skepticism surrounding these reports, particularly from ornithologists. David Jacobsen, writing in 1948, is quoted as summarizing the frustration of organizations like the Audubon Society, who are tired of rumors portraying eagles as capable of attacking children and large livestock. The article dismisses claims of 'super-eagles' as not pertaining to actual eagles but possibly to Thunderbirds.

Historical Accounts and Cases

The magazine presents several historical incidents:

• Blackfoot Indians (late 19th century): An account from Claude Schaeffer details the experience of White Bear, who was carried off by a giant bird to Devil's Head Mountain in Alberta and escaped.
• Mississippi (unknown date): A historical record from Felix Pouchet's *The Universe* (1871) mentions large birds dubbed 'eagles' carrying off pigs and lambs, and an eight-year-old boy, Jemmie Kenney, who was picked up and carried to a great height but did not survive.
• Carleton Place, Ontario (July 21, 1886): An article from the *Carleton Place Herald* describes a seven-year-old boy, Washburn Wright, being grabbed by a large eagle and lifted from the ground near Mulberry Grove, Illinois, before being rescued.
• Bryson, Quebec (May 17, 1888): *The Equity* reported an incident where a seven-year-old boy, Georgie Rickards, in New York, was attacked by a very large bald eagle and fought it off.
• St. Lawrence County, USA (unknown date): An eagle was captured after a fight, described as a very large bird that attempted to carry off a child.
• Webster County, West Virginia (February 1, 1895): A ten-year-old girl, Landy Junkins, disappeared, with reports suggesting she was carried away by two giant birds.
• McKean County, Pennsylvania (1937): A four-year-old girl was snatched by a giant bird while her family was picking berries.
• Pennsylvania (1941): Barney Pluff, aged 75, was reportedly devoured by a giant bird.
• Kentucky (unknown date): A report mentioned a bald eagle lifting a 50-pound boy, and another eagle flying off with a 50-pound calf.
• Florida (unknown date): A four-year-old boy was reportedly attacked and lifted off the ground by an eagle.

The Marlon Lowe Case (1977)

The article highlights the 1977 case of Marlon Lowe, a ten-year-old boy from Lawndale, Illinois, who was picked up by two large birds and carried about 40 feet before being dropped. This event is described as the most celebrated and scrutinized instance of its kind, with the birds bearing some resemblance to condors or turkey vultures. The author criticizes the dismissive attitude towards such accounts.

Global and Modern Sightings

The phenomenon is not limited to North America. Examples include:

• West Yorkshire, England (1982-1983): A giant bird of prey was observed multiple times.
• Norway (1991): Lapp herders reported giant birds carrying off approximately 1,300 reindeer in one year, a bird known to their ancestors as the Vuokho.
• Iran (1967): Two large birds appeared over the village of Jagelan and picked up two children, aged three and five, who died when dropped.
• Alaska (October 2002): A Thunderbird was seen, prompting concern for young people.

Migration and Vulnerability

The article suggests that reports of abductions and attacks follow two geographical routes, likely migration paths in the Central and Eastern USA, involving areas like the Ozarks, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Appalachian Mountains up to northern New York and Quebec. The author posits that these birds might seek human beings as prey when other food sources are scarce, listing potential prey from deer to cattle. The most vulnerable people, according to the author, are those in Illinois and New York, where the possibility of giant birds appearing might not be seriously considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine takes a stance that the phenomenon of Thunderbirds is real and has been historically significant, despite widespread dismissal by the scientific community. The editorial tone suggests that these events, often relegated to folklore or misidentification, warrant serious consideration. The author expresses a belief that history may repeat itself, and that encounters with giant birds will likely occur again in the future, potentially in serious and unavoidable ways. The article emphasizes the need to look back at historical records and consider the timing and placement of events, suggesting that these occurrences may be linked to natural cycles, such as prey abundance. The author concludes by urging readers to be aware of the potential danger, especially in areas where the possibility of giant birds is not seriously considered.

This issue of "WONDERS" magazine, dated September 2002, features a "MYSTERY PROFILES - 2002" section, with the lead article focusing on the "Ape Canyon, Washington - 1924" incident. The magazine covers a range of unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and archaeological debates.

Ape Canyon, Washington - 1924

The article details the 1924 incident where five miners near Kelso, Washington, reported encounters with "ape-men" at their mine, located two miles east of Mt. St. Helens. The area became known as "Ape Canyon." The miners claimed to have fired at an "ape-man" and that their cabin was stoned by several of them the following night. They described four "ape-men" as about seven feet tall, weighing around 400 pounds, and walking erect. They also found tracks 13 to 14 inches long. The physical description and revenge-seeking behavior are linked to "Taller-hominids (Homo gardarensis)," identified locally by the Seeahtic Tribe. Witnesses verified that the cabin had been destroyed by up to two hundred large rocks. The article notes that later accounts, particularly from Fred Beck, the last survivor, differed, with Beck in the 1960s describing the creatures as weighing 600-800 pounds, eight feet tall, and leaving 19-inch tracks, aligning with the then-popular image of "Bigfoot."

Homo gardarensis

The article posits that Homo gardarensis is the most thoroughly documented of the mystery primates, distinct from Bigfoot, and reported across North America. Bones have been exhumed in Greenland and associated with archaeological sites in eastern Canada. Detailed sightings date from 1862, and ethnographic studies, particularly among the Eskimos, describe them. The book "Living Fossils" is recommended for further information.

Atlantis

This section discusses the legend of Atlantis, noting that claims for its location are widespread, with Crete, Thera, and Cuba being popular suggestions, and a recent claim for a tiny island between Spain and Africa. Plato's account describes Atlantis as a large island destroyed by a cataclysm, coinciding with a period of drastic planetary change, including rockfalls and the end of an ice age. The article questions whether proof of Atlantis can be found, suggesting archaeological sites dating to 12,000 years ago in the western Mediterranean Sea might hold clues. The widespread cultural influence of Atlanteans is mentioned as a potential indicator.

Carolina Water Guns

This piece reports on the unexplained "Carolina Water Guns" phenomenon. An incident on December 13, 2001, involved a booming sound heard over New Hanover and Brunswick Counties in southeastern North Carolina. Reports of similar phenomena date back to 1871 in Wilmington, North Carolina, where a blaze of light was followed by a hissing sound and a large ball of fire that broke apart in the sky. The phenomenon is compared to similar occurrences like the Guns of Vandemere, Seneca Guns, and the Barisal Guns, and is known as "brontides." The most likely explanation suggested is natural releases of gas, such as methane.

Scientific Study

A Duke University seismologist, Peter Malin, is involved in studying these phenomena by installing a second seismograph in North Carolina. An observer noted that these events are "unexplained and largely ignored."

The de Loys Hoaxed Photograph

This section addresses a persistent hoax involving a black and white photograph presented as an "unknown giant ape." The article states the photograph has been repeatedly debunked. It identifies the subject as a common spider monkey from South America. Ivan Sanderson reportedly identified the scale of the image based on a container for two gasoline cans, measuring approximately 20 1/2 inches long. The photographer allegedly lied about the animal's size, tail, and teeth. The article suggests the photo may have been a practical joke exploited by others.

The Eastern Bigfoot or Homo gardarensis

This subsection revisits Homo gardarensis, mentioning that bones of this fossil man have been on record for three-quarters of a century, dug up in a 12th-century Norse graveyard in Greenland. The unusual skull shape was noted. Sir Arthur Keith attributed the features to acromegaly, but Prof. F. C. C. Hansen disagreed. The bones were stored at the Panum Institute in Copenhagen as a pathological specimen. The article suggests this creature may be the same as the seven-foot-tall hairy giant seen in North America, known as the Taller-hominid or Eastern Bigfoot, bearing a superficial resemblance to Patterson's Bigfoot.

Gunnbjorn's Skerries - A Miniature Atlantis

This section explores the location of Gunnbjorn's Skerries, mentioned in the Icelandic Sagas. While commonly identified with islands off eastern Greenland, records suggest they were midway between Greenland and Iceland, confirmed by modern bathymetric charting. Their history begins around 876 when Gunnbjorn Ulfsson was driven beyond Iceland. These islands were later identified, and Eric the Red used this clue to reach Greenland in 982. A 14th-century report places the Skerries midway between Iceland and Greenland, with 18 farms established by 1391. The destruction of the islands is noted on a 1508 map, with a volcanic eruption in 1456 consuming them, leaving dangerous shoals. Modern mapping shows an elevation on the seabed where the islands were reported, likening their disappearance to the destruction of Atlantis.

The Kennewick People

This article discusses the US federal court ruling on August 30, 2002, granting scientists the right to study the skeletal remains of Kennewick Man, found in Washington State in 1996 and dated to around 9000 years old. The find suggests that these ancient skeletons, and older ones in North America, are not the ancestors of American Indians. It proposes a revolution in New World archaeology, indicating that ancestors of American Indians fought and replaced an older version of Homo sapiens, termed the "Kennewick People." These people are suggested to be similar to the Ainu of Japan and possibly the Amurians who lived in Asia 30,000 years ago. The presence of an archaic spear point in Kennewick Man's hip bone suggests a conflict that may have led to his death. The possibility of descendants of the Kennewick People surviving in remote areas of South America or even into the twentieth century in North America is raised.

The Kensington Runestone of Minnesota

The Kensington Runestone gained attention in late 2000 and 2001. Unearthed in 1898, it features an inscription in 14th-century Scandinavian runes, supposedly a memorial to slain Norsemen in 1362. Initially denounced as a fraud, its translation revealed language appropriate for the 14th century. Claims of fatal flaws in its language use have been refuted, with detractors now resorting to claims of deathbed confessions, which the article dismisses. A 2000 geological finding indicated the stone had been buried for at least 50 years, likely centuries. In August 2001, a claim of a second runic inscription in Minnesota was made. The article notes that pranksters later claimed to have faked the stone years earlier, influencing journalistic reporting. The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is presented as being in a difficult position regarding the stone, with supporters like Richard Nielsen defending it. The article criticizes organizations that cannot admit mistakes, comparing it to the National Geographic's defense of Robert Peary's hoaxes. The SI is accused of hiding and potentially widening the scope of suspects to discredit the runestone. By December 2002, the SI was reportedly responding to inquiries by sending lists of authorities who oppose the stone's validity, relying on the premise that "authorities" are never wrong, echoing Max Planck's observation that opponents of new scientific truths often die off rather than change their minds.

The LaVerendrye Stone

This section discusses another inscription with rune-like characters found in 1738 in North Dakota and removed to French Canada by Sieur de la Verendrye. The stone itself is lost, with only a meager characterization of its message surviving. A search in the twentieth century failed to locate it. Given the renewed respectability of the Kensington find, the article suggests a renewed search for the La Verendrye Stone or a copy of its inscription in French Canadian archives or France. If it contains runes, it might have been carved by the same explorers who reached Minnesota/North Dakota in the 14th century.

The Minnesota Iceman

This article examines the "Minnesota Iceman," a body artificially preserved in ice, exhibited in the USA in 1967 and 1968 by Frank Hansen. Ivan Sanderson and Bernard Heuvelmans examined it in 1968 and suggested it was the corpse of a primitive man who died violently and was frozen. The best hypothesis presented is that the exhibit was a Homo erectus. The article speculates that Homo erectus, primarily found in Asia, might have been captured alive around 1966 in China, transported to Hong Kong, killed, and then frozen in ice. It was purchased by a Californian and exhibited. Hansen reportedly kept the identity of the true owner secret. The Iceman was returned to the owner in 1969 and likely disposed of. The book "Living Fossils" is again recommended for more information.

Mothman -- West Virginia's Famous Mystery

This brief section introduces Mothman as a creature made famous, with a "soon to be a major motion picture" phrase applied. It mentions "The Mothman Prophecies" starring Richard Gere, set for early 2002. John Keel is credited with making the moniker "Mothman" famous through his 1968 articles in "Flying Saucer Review" and "Saga Magazine," and later in his book detailing his search for UFO reports around the Ohio River and Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and controversial archaeological or anthropological findings. There is a clear skepticism towards established scientific consensus when evidence suggests alternative interpretations, particularly concerning ancient humanoids and historical enigmas. The editorial stance appears to favor investigating fringe theories and challenging conventional explanations, often referencing specific books or prior publications for deeper dives into the subjects. The magazine promotes critical thinking and encourages readers to question accepted narratives, especially when dealing with evidence that has been dismissed or misinterpreted by mainstream institutions.

WONDERS magazine, issue 95, dated September 2002, presents a collection of intriguing articles on unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. The issue covers a range of topics from cryptids and unusual sightings to historical enigmas.

Articles

Birdman / Bighoot

The issue details reports of a flying creature that began startling people in the 1960s, though it had been reported for decades earlier and was known as Birdman. After World War II, it was reported to hover over people in automobiles. This creature has been described as a Giant Owl or Bighoot, and has been reported on the Appalachian Plateau and elsewhere. In the Ozarks, it was called the Booger Owl, and the Iroquois Indians feared it, calling it the Flying Head. Readers are directed to Vol. 5 of Wonders for more information on Bighoot and to the website "Thunderbird and Bighoot" for the latest news.

Sea Monster Johnny

'Sea Monster Johnny' is presented as a journalist's recent invention for another little-noticed monster, described as obscure as Mothman/Bighoot was thirty years ago. This name was not in use when an article about Johnny appeared in Wonders for 1992. Reports of a large pink thing seen in the estuary of the St. Johns River in Florida, dating back ten years prior to the 1992 article, are discussed. When this creature pokes its head out of the water or comes on land, it resembles the Thescelosaurus, a late-Cretaceous dinosaur. The article clarifies that these reports are distinct from those of creatures resembling large salamanders, cautioning against confusing them. Further details on the St. Johns monster can be found in 'Best of Wonders Volumes 1-3'.

Sky-Lines Explained

This section discusses the phenomenon of 'sky-lines', which began appearing about thirty years prior to the article. These were described as odd strands of plastic stretched across trees and buildings for long, undetermined lengths. Efforts to trace their origins were unsuccessful, as the lines would snap, leaving coils of plastic. The lines were observed multiple times over Caldwell, New Jersey, and also reported over Manhattan and in the state of Georgia. No kites or kite fliers were seen in evidence at these locations to explain the finds. A specific case from 1978 near Akron, Ohio, involved people finding lines extending over their yards. One person collected thousands of feet of line, and another tracked a line for thousands of feet. In this instance, a man from Canal Fulton came forward, explaining he had spliced together three 6,000-foot rolls of fishing line and launched a kite, which he then lost sight of. The line subsequently dropped over his neighbors. The article notes that flying kites higher than 150 feet is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration due to the hazard they pose to small aircraft.

Whiteman's Land

Modern scholars are exploring the storied locations mentioned in Norse sagas, including Vinland, Markland, Helluland, and Whiteman's Land. Whiteman's Land is described as the most mysterious, a place the Vikings feared due to the risk of being killed or held captive. Historical figures like Ari Marson and Bjorn Asbrandson are mentioned as having suffered this fate. This feared place was also known as Greater Ireland, believed to be inhabited by Irishmen. Historical references and modern archaeological finds suggest Whiteman's Land is located in Newfoundland and New Brunswick. The L'Anse aux Meadows site is considered a remnant of Greater Ireland, though it has been declared Vinland or a staging area by those who dismiss Whiteman's Land. The dismissal of these lands by scholars dates back a century, when they were considered fabulous. The article suggests that large tower beacons found across eastern Canada might help identify the travels of the people of Whiteman's Land, who may have maintained a successful New World colony of Europeans for several centuries before Columbus, similar to the Norse in Greenland, but ultimately failed. More information is available in Wonders Volume 6.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, cryptozoology, and historical mysteries, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them as fact. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and investigation into the unknown, encouraging readers to explore further through references to past issues and external resources.