Thunderbirds - Ancient Myth or Reality?

As of lately I have been obsessed with a very unique cryptid, the Thunderbird. For those who might not be familiar with the beast, it is a staple in most all Native American cultures and sightings of the ellusive raptor date back for hundreds of years. This giant bird of prey has been reported across the U.S. with some very notable reports hailing from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Alaska. Most all Thunderbird accounts describe the raptor as being very dark in color with a white ring sometimes having been reported around it's neck. Wingspans of the Thunderbird rival small planes and have been reported to be between 15 and 30 feet! In Illinois documented accounts of the bird have been made as recently as the 1990s and unverified sightings have been on the rise throughout the past five years in Alaska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Upper Michigan.

Personally, I'm going on an expedition to try and capture a photo of the beast in Northern Wisconsin. I've already been fortunate enough to have been shown pictures of a very large raptor taken by a Native American friend of mine in Northern Wisconsin / Upper Michigan. The picture I saw differs a bit from the traditional descriptions of the Thunderbird, but it certainly possesses similar attributes appearing to be larger than life. This particular raptor captured on camera appeared to have a height in excess of 4 feet while perched on a large boulder. It resembled a golden eagle in color and build, but it appeared gigantic compared to the known plant life in the scene.

I'll be posting my findings as soon as I return, and although I'm not expecting to see this rare giant, I'm stoked to have the opportunity to get away from city life for awhile and hunt for a beast that may very well be waiting me to arrive as well. Muahahaha... Wish me luck.