there are many legends about the origins of the oozlefinch. most agree that the legend began in 1905 at ft. monroe, virginia, then home of the coast artillery corps. a captain h. m. merriam, no doubt under the effects of alcohol, first reported seeing a large-eyed, flight-challenged bird outside the officers' club. soon more people would report seeing this bird, and even sketches were made. eventually, the legend of this bird would become so great that even a statue was erected at the club in its honor.