Two news for 2013 : The gastornis and the flying fish

Thanks to Yvette, I got these two beauties  

GASTORNIS :

Fossiles of the Gastornis have been found in western Europe.
In North America remains of almost similar birds have been found, and these were named Diatryma.
However the theory now is, that the two were the same species, the differenced being due to difference in age of the birds.
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FLYING FISH

From Wikipedia :
There are about sixty-four species grouped in seven to nine genera. Flying fish can make powerful, self-propelled leaps out of water into air, where their long, wing-like fins enable gliding flight for considerable distances above the water's surface. This uncommon ability is a natural defense mechanism to evade predators.

The oldest known fossil of a flying or gliding fish, Potanichthys xingyiensis, dates back to the Middle Triassic, 235-242 million years ago. However, this fossil in not related to modern flying fish, which evolved independently about 65 million years ago.

I have always been fascinated by these unusual fish. So much, that as a child, I often had dreams about fish flying round like birds in my room  
Now I have a model of one, and I love him  
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Here Westie shows the size  
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Thankyou very much, Yvette, for always helping me and my collection    

That flying fish is amazing really beautiful model,  Congrats Susanne    

Wonderful newcomers Susanne, i really like the flying fish but he is toooooo big for my zoo

Love the Gastornis-so must have one !!!!! (o)):

I love Safari

Congrats on both :) , Did you get the idea from me to post info of old Gastornis?

Thankyou, friends

Takama wrote:

....... Did you get the idea from me to post info of old Gastornis?

Not directly, but you surely are an inspiration of prehistoric critters

That flying fish is gorgeous!

Susanne, congrats! (o)):
Wonderful flying fish! (o)):

Thankyou, Isabeau
Thankyou, Donny

Congratulations on these 2 amazing figures for your collection. They are both awesome. Thanks for all the great pictures.

Thanks, Amy

I was sure I had posted here before once I remember reading this tread but I am glad your Sun fish helped me finding it again.
The bird is great, maybe Safari could find a better coloring layout to give it more realism although from fossilized creatures it is hard to judge.
The flying fish is a great looking piece, I love it!

Flying fihs, seems real! Nice!

the flying fish is....awesom! Way better than the Klumpe moon fish!

PeGe wrote:

the flying fish is....awesom! Way better than the Klumpe moon fish!

Nooooo !!!
They are both wonderful