The New Feathered Marvel: A Celebration.

[Luis Rey <luisrey@ndirect.co.uk>]

Just prior to the last SVP meeting in Mexico City, I had a timely
encounter with Mark Norell at the AMNH where he showed me the new
dromaeosaur specimen, slab and counterslab. I couldn't believe my eyes.
I had been dreaming about this kind of fossil for twenty years and
needless to say, I congratulated Mark effusively.

I can tell everyone that no photograph can do  the fossil justice.The
length and amount of feathers is phenomenal and borders in the
excessive, specially considering the size of the animal that is fairly
small (although not too small).
It also challenged my 'traditional' Greg Paul-like view of the
distribution of the integument, specially on the head... the
'protofeathery' stuff covered the snout (or beak, whatever you prefer)
almost to the tip!

For obvious reasons, I wasn't able to disclose details and write or
publish any painting of it. Now is the moment.
Mark was also puzzled by the length of the arms 'broom-like'
integument... "what the hell would 'he' be doing with all that shaggy
stuff?'" he shouted.

I have ventured a (rather festive)  answer that is ready for viewing on
my website now.

So, in true Mexican style  I invite everyone (including John Ruben) to
celebrate with me!


Luis Rey

Visit my website on http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~luisrey