#fossil bird

[drhoz]

Waimanu, the first penguin

How long have penguins been around?  I suspect that most people would respond that they seem relatively young, in the grand scheme of things

"These early penguins inherited a world in which a reset button had been firmly pressed. It was warm, rather homogenous in temperature across most of the latitudinal gradient, and most importantly, nearly every major niche was hung generously with “help wanted” signs."

[otussketching]

Just a family of Pelagornis. 

Who doesn’t love these giant ocean-going birds with menacing pseudo-tooth beaks? Of course, they may have had a softer side along with that not-so friendly looking face.

[fieldmuseumphotoarchives]

Hesperornis was a large bird, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in length. It had virtually no wings, and swam with its powerful hind legs.

© The Field Museum, Z84076.

Hesperornis, model of the extinct flightless aquatic bird. Progress, for Hall 21 exhibit case.

5x7 negative.

2/3/1948