Malley introduces the ivory-billed woodpecker in a voicemail to Richard, mentioning that she saw one at her undisclosed location. Richard knows that “ivory-billed woodpeckers are extinct. I did a project on them for science fair in sixth grade, and Malley helped with the graphics” (72). This indicates that Malley knows the species is extinct, as well. Skink knows that Malley is “trying to tell you where she’s at” (72). She uses her story of the woodpecker to lead Richard to her.

The bird represents Malley’s freedom. When she reports her sighting to Richard, she is taking a step to secure her own freedom. As Skink and Richard canoe up the Choctawhatchee and get closer to Malley’s location, Skink points out “the tree where I saw the Lord God Bird” (117). Richard believes Skink is “guilty of wishful thinking. The ivorybill was extinct” (117). Richard’s plan to rescue Malley—and restore her freedom—proves to be wishful thinking, as well. Skink disappears in the river that night, leaving Richard alone. Just as Richard believes Skink’s sighting of the woodpecker was the result of false hope, so were his illusions about finding Malley.

After escaping the houseboat, Richard and Malley spot another woodpecker.