REMARKABLE NEW DATA ON MESOZOIC BIRD OPTICS

[GSP1954@aol.com]

In the latest J Vert Paleont. 19(1):1 Qiang et al. decribe the new 
confucifuisornithid bird Changchengornis. The most fascinating aspect of this 
archaic creature can be seen in fig. 3 B. Sitting atop the beak are a pair of 
spectacles. Quite small, probably in order to minimize drag during flight. 
Not discussed is whether the lens configuration indicates a near or 
farsighted condition, or whether they were bifocal. TO my knowledge this is 
the earliest known example of the use of optical technology in Earth history. 

GSPaul