Track traces?

[caldigger]

Found this slab at Jalama Beach, California on Saturday. It was quite different from all other blank pieces we found.

Monterey Shale Formation, Miocene.

Some of these prints look like bird tracks to me. Any insights?

[Rockwood]

If you can pick out impressions of the scales on their feet anywhere I will agree that they are bird tracks. 'Till then I agree that some of them do look like claw prints of birds.

[Mark Kmiecik]

I would want something more distinct before concluding that they are tracks. I realize that photos leave a lot to be desired as opposed to holding it in hand, so don't take offense, but I just don't see it. (and yes, I do have my glasses on)

[MarcoSr]

I find all kinds of different tracks in the Pleistocene bog iron of Virginia.  Most of the tracks are really hard to see unless you hold the bog iron at the correct angle to the light.  Partial bird tracks can be really hard to distinguish most times from just cracks that formed on the surface.  Complete bird tracks are easier to see and confirm.  I take pictures and study the myriad of tracks that are left when the beaver pond on my property dries out occasionally from lack of rain.

 

The below picture shows both deer and racoon tracks clearly:

 

 

 

 

The below picture has a number of different sized bird tracks but also has lots of cracks from the mud drying:

 

 

 

 

I'm not seeing any tracks that I recognize in your piece but it is extremely difficult for me to see them in pictures.  You really need to hold the piece in your hand to see the tracks clearly.

 

Marco Sr.

[Rockwood]

Just something to chew on.

[caldigger]

 

There was a large slab that we couldn't carry that had definate negative set of tracks going across the entire length of it ( maybe about 30" ). Wish I had my phone to take a shot of it, but didn't think I would need the phone since there is no reception there.

[Rockwood]

Looks like we are thinking about the same.