Another interuption for news of dinosaur link (1 Viewer)

Having four wings throws most common theories on the origin of birds from cursorial dinosaurs out the window (where they belong).

A a rather curt comment seashore! Would be interested if you could expand a a little please?

Sorry about the curt-ness, it was a rushed comment. There is debate on the origin of birds, the majority go for theropod dinosaurs which were fast ground (cursorial), feathered little fella's that used their "wings" to assist getting about and gradually became birds by taking off from the ground. A minority believe birds originated from arboreal dinosaurs by gliding from tree to tree. The mentioned fossil (mircoraptor) with four wings was allegedly incapable of any flight other than gliding leading to the minorities theory being better (in their opinion). Personally I don't believe either of them, but that's another story. Either way there is no proof birds originated from either, just an assumption of shared characteristics. Incidentally it appears that dinosaurs had feathers long before either of these fossil species existed.

Thanks for clearing that up! I understand a little better now! LOL! Bit of a mystery really but more interesting that way! Must read a little more about the origin theories of birds. Hows the "birding down under"?

Hi. Went south of Adelaide looking for Albatrosses but not much wind to blow them into the coast. Found a Superb Blue Fairy-wren and a Scarlet Robin together, nice contrast of the scarlet and the iridescent blue. There is a Discovery or Animal Planet doco on this very subject which covers both arguments quite well I thought. You might be able to find it on the net.

Thanks I will see if I can find it. Albatrosses? WOW! Do you get them regularly? I dont really know a lot about them. Only that I dont know if I will ever get to see one! Must find you on a map and see where you are. Im just packing up to go and try to get some good photos of the red kites that are in "our neck of the woods". Went for a 7 and half mile walk yesterday and saw loads but didnt have camera with me. I find them quite hard to photograph well, in order to get their beautiful coulour and markings.

They are regular visitors to the coast, particularly when there are onshore winds. Otherwise take a pelagic trip and you see lots usually. I have a photo of a Black-browed Albatross on my blog if you would like to have a look.
http://topbirdsandeveryfing.typepad.com/top-birds-everyfing/
I try to keep the blog amusing - it's not serious but has some real bird stuff at times. You can pass it on to your friends if you enjoy it.

I saw a Red Kite (well I think it was) at The Great Park when I was last in London - that was exciting to see. I thought they were supposed to be rare.