Achnabreck bird? | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Undigest Oct 12, 2016 15:39:54

I visited the rock art panels at Achnabreck for the first time yesterday -- an amazing place. I'm probably playing join the dots here, but does anyone else see a bird's head in profile on these photos of the easternmost fenced outcrop (Achnabreck Wood):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2VT8J_0ejtjX2F4ZHBkLTZxaTg/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2VT8J_0ejtjbURIb3AzMDM2dGc/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2VT8J_0ejtjTXJhbjhqeVVack0/view?usp=sharing

This is the carving at Mc10 in RWB Morris's article in PSAS 103 (page 52). The "beak" and lower jaw do seem to be natural marks in the rock, but it looks as if lines have been carved to complete the image of the head. I can even see a crest of feathers, but I'd visited Stronach Wood the week before and maybe have birds on the brain!

Best to all,

Peter

Howburn Digger Oct 12, 2016 16:32:06

Replying to Undigest

Lovely! As the original bird spotter of Stronach Wood I really like this. I am heading up Argyll way on Saturday for a week. I'll drop by Achnabreck en-route and have a gander.

Howburn Digger Oct 12, 2016 19:39:04

Replying to Undigest

In plain sight in this photo from August 1998 on this website. With some other interesting swirls.

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/img_fullsize/573.jpg

It is always good to look at a site with fresh eyes. Or you will only see what you think you are going to see - and nothing else. ie. if you think you are going to a site to see cups, rings and swirls then that is all you will look for and see.

https://goo.gl/images/y3l9JO

When you zoom in to the third image in your original post, there looks like clear "peck" (sic) marks at the rock under the bird's chin area. Have a gander.