Bird geoglyph on Bloodstone Hill

[George J. Haas]

After Neville Thompson posted his fine enhancement of a Mars Curiosity Rover image labeled Sol 2795 on June 24, 2020, independent Mars researcher Martine Grainey quickly noticed a giant 33ft high geoglyph of a bird etched within the side of Bloodstone Hill. She posted a crop of the formation on her Facebook on the same day (Figure 1).



Figure 1
Bird geoglyph
Detail Sol 2795
Image courtesy Martine Grainey

The full figured formation is presented in profile and possibly depicts a cardinal. Notice its find detail includes an avian-shaped head with an eye, a small crest and blunt beak. The main body has a highly textured, folded wing, a long set of tail feathers and a clawed foot.


GJH

[George J. Haas]

Here is the original Sol 2795 image (Figure 2), with the location of the cardinal formation.



Figure 2
Sol 2795

Here is a crop showing the Cardinal geoglyph (Figure 3).




Figure 3
Cardinal geoglyph
Detail of Sol 2795

GJH

[starjim]

I have seen enough of these glyphs to know this is a very viable consideration.
Nice find by Martine. Congratulations

[George J. Haas]

A second avian formation can be seen on the lower, western side of the Cardinal Geoglyph (Figure 4) that appears to depict the profiled image of a sitting bird, possibly a dove.


Figure 4
Dove Geoglyph
Detail of Sol 2795
Left: Boxed location
Right: Color wash

Notice the folded wing, feathered body attached to a round head and small beak. The head turns back, looking towards the birds flank.



GJH

[williamsaunders]

George, where you see a bird, I see a partial winged human. There is a lot going on in this area that is not natural formation. Much of the artistry is done by using shapes such as those you see all around the cardinals beak. I would really like to see a higher resolution image of this area. The cardinal's crest juts out appearing to cast a small shadow. The design and placement of the bird's eye, beak, hood and crest are very catching. Nice find by Martine.

[Amber Ramhorn]

Very interesting area.

What are the odds in finding two bird geoglyphs right next to each other.

Amazing find.