I truly and honestly believe that I had seen a Thunderbird on April 6, 2013, at 2:48 PM on an old telephone pole. The pole was very, very high up so at first I thought it was a hawk or an eagle. The more I stared at it though it appeared much larger than a hawk. It wasn't a condor the plumage was lighter in color. It didn't make a sound, but it was a very, very large bird. I was looking through my window so I couldn't really see it's features in detail. It had some red streaks on its wings...and that was it! I did have a photo that I had shot of it, but it's been lost throughout the years.
I believe you, Jessica.
I'm amazed there are so many responses to this thread. I think it's real, not myth although I have never been privileged enough to have seen one, I do believe they exist. I do doubt that there are very many left.
You never know, stranger things have happened. I might get to see one before they all have disappeared.