The diversity of fossil bird tracks in the Cantwell formation of Denali is second to none anywhere in the world. Denali is proven "candy" riches beyond our expectations. ... Every year we go in there, every year we find new things, every year we come out and have to readjust the [theoretical] models. ... We haven't even begun to hit the point where the data are hitting a plateau.
Of the new species, Fiorillo said, one is the size of a large crane, and the other is smaller than a sandpiper. Footprints of other prehistoric birds found in Denali and elsewhere indicate Alaska has served as a major nesting ground -- as it still does today -- for at least the last 70 million years, he said.
Hear more in the APRN report, and read more about Fiorillo's recent finds at National Parks Traveler. Some of his earlier Alaska dinosaur discoveries are covered here. Fiorillo has also recently given some thought to dinosaur crap.
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