A sign for the ivory-billed woodpecker. Photo by Damir Frkovic.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – “Ghost Bird,” a nonfiction feature film about the search in Arkansas for an extinct giant woodpecker, screens at the Soper-Reese Theatre at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21.

Appearing in person to introduce the film is director/producer, Scott Crocker.

Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the Redbud Chapter of the Audubon Society.

Brinkley, Arkansas, is a tiny town in the eastern part of the state that went woodpecker crazy after the famous bird was or wasn’t seen there in 2005.

An inconclusive bit of video helped start the mania, and the town did its best to capitalize on the excitement with a woodpecker gift shop, a woodpecker hamburger and even a woodpecker haircut.

The awardwinning documentary, appropriate for adults and high school and college students, has been shown at film festivals in New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Rome, where audiences were captivated by Crocker’s terrific sense of timing and expert story telling.

“Ghost Bird” is oddly compelling, whether you are a bird watcher or even if you have no particular interest in birds.

More information is available at www.redbudaudubon.org, at www.SoperReeseTheatre.com or call Theatre Box Office at 707-263-0577.

The Soper-Reese Community Theatre is a restored, historic, performing arts venue established in 1949 and seating 300 patrons.

Run by an all-volunteer organization, the theatre operates under the guidance of the non-profit Lake County Arts Council.

The Soper-Reese brings dance, music, plays and poetry to all members of the Lake County community and to visiting tourists.

The theater is located at 275 Main St., Lakeport.