The 1977 Lawdale, Illinois Thunderbird Case

Marlon Lowe and his mom soon after the attack.

This is a very well-written, detailed acount of the events of that day as told by a first-hand witness to this extraordinary occurance. It is a pretty unbelievable story, but the fact that there was a group of people that all witnessed the same thing makes it much harder to dispell. 

~Ophelia

…The time now is exactly 8:09 p.m.

Cox looked intently at the approaching image- he stands, turns, drops his pipe and locks upon the flying object as it comes closer and closer and becomes larger and larger and more distinct. Now he sees it clear, he sees two birds, large birds, flying and descending on the town of Lawndale. The birds past directly over head at an estimated height of no higher than twice his building and as they fly over the shadow blankets his entire pick-up truck!

It is now exactly 8:10 p.m.

At the Lowes all the adults are in the driveway by the tables, grill and camper. The children are still playing in the back yard when like a bullet, Marlon comes running around the far south side of the house screaming bloodily murder – Ruth looks up to see an enormous black bird chasing and grabbing at Marlon. Marlon is then picked up and carried a few feet by the larger of the two birds, which are flying wingtip to wingtip – Ruth runs to Marlon’s aid, screaming and swinging at the bird – the bird releases Marlon into the hands of Ruth as they both fall to the ground.

Jake and Jim watch the birds and with one flap of the wings they flew upward and toward Kickapoo Creek. Jackie raced to aid Ruth and Marlon. Betty turned away screaming in horror and covered her eyes. The other two boys that had fled for safety soon joined the group in the front yard.