Mammal or Avian fossil?

[i.amsherlocked]

Hello, I was out near central alberta the other day and I found two different specimens (I'll post the other one in a different thread). I doubt you'll be able to tell me what animal it came from but I was hoping the type of bone could be identified? Its heavy- so I'm pretty sure its fossilized. Its dark brown in color (pictures dont show this) and it appears to be hollow or possibly the marrow has fallen out but the inside looks quite smooth.

[Rockwood]

A shot strait on of the side where the shaft was broken off may be helpful.

I wouldn't really count on it though.

[i.amsherlocked]

[Rockwood]

Wait for the experts, but I think this is heavy for the average bird bone.

[ynot]

I agree that it is to thick walled for a bird.

It maybe a partial toe bone. Pictures of the other sides and end may help with a general id.

[i.amsherlocked]

[i.amsherlocked]

[Rockwood]

18 minutes ago, ynot said:

It maybe a partial toe bone.

Yes. I can see it being connected to the foot bone. 

[i.amsherlocked]

I looked up dinosaur toe bones and thought that the shape/ definition was quite similar to that of a therapod. Could this be or is this just wishful thinking?

[Rockwood]

1 minute ago, i.amsherlocked said:

Could this be or is this just wishful thinking?

One vote could be.

What do you think @Troodon ?

[ynot]

I am not that well versed with anatomy to be able to tell.

Maybe @-Andy- or @hxmendoza or @Harry Pristis can help. (troodon already got tagged).

[Troodon]

Wall thickness to big for bird but right for a Theropod.  Could be the distal end of a theropod carpal like a Dromaeosaurid.   Where specifically did you find it?

 

Here is an ornithomimid hand and you can see the carpals

[Auspex]

3 hours ago, i.amsherlocked said:

Could this be or is this just wishful thinking?

This would be a resounding "NO".
As Troodon has said, it is the distal end of a Theropod phalanx.

[i.amsherlocked]

It was found in a canyon in between calgary and drumheller off the beaten path

[jpc]

I also see a little theropod toe bone.  Nice photo, troodon.  

[Rockwood]

10 hours ago, i.amsherlocked said:

I looked up dinosaur toe bones and thought that the shape/ definition was quite similar to that of a therapod. Could this be or is this just wishful thinking?

 

6 hours ago, Auspex said:

This would be a resounding "NO".
As Troodon has said, it is the distal end of a Theropod phalanx.

Oops ?

Edit: Oh! Finger not toe. My oops.

[Troodon]

9 hours ago, i.amsherlocked said:

It was found in a canyon in between calgary and drumheller off the beaten path

It's most likely the Horseshoe Canyon Fm if you were near Drum.   Lots of candidates to select from.

[Auspex]

5 hours ago, Rockwood said:

 

Oops ?

Edit: Oh! Finger not toe. My oops.

A phalanx is a digital bone from a finger or toe.

[Rockwood]

1 hour ago, Auspex said:

A phalanx is a digital bone from a finger or toe.

Then, "NO", it's not wishful thinking ? 

[FossilsAnonymous]

I think if you can find the date we could probably identify the animal for you... As @Troodon  said it's probably the Horseshoe Canyon 

[ynot]

7 hours ago, Rockwood said:

 

Oops ?

Edit: Oh! Finger not toe. My oops.

 

36 minutes ago, Rockwood said:

Then, "NO", it's not wishful thinking ? 

Theropod not bird or mammal, answer to the original question.

[Rockwood]

It's not a bird !

Who were we thinking ?

[ynot]

1 minute ago, Rockwood said:

It's not a bird !

Who were we thinking ?

My first thought was Big Bird!

[i.amsherlocked]

Relatively near horse thief canyon was the locale

[Auspex]

2 hours ago, Rockwood said:

Then, "NO", it's not wishful thinking ? 

Ah, yes; it is not wishful thinking. Sorry for the confusion!