Why Dig Up Dinosaurs: An Interview Dennis Winters

This is a guest post by Jason Poole - BBPI Director of Fossil Preparation. Jason interviewed 2015 Field Expedition Crew member, Dennis Winters. Dennis also volunteers in the Fossil Preparation Laboratory at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where Jason Poole is also the Manager.

Why dig up dinosaurs? Dinosaurs and their reptile kin were around for so very long (160 million years or so) that finding their remains after all this time is uniquely exciting. The knowledge we gain from these fossils teach us all kinds of things about the history of Mother Earth and the life she has supported. It is easy to develop a passion for fossil discovery and study!

 

Figure caption

What is your favorite part of the process of dinosaur excavation?

Since, sadly, I have only been in the field once, it is hard for me to relate to much in the way of actual dinosaur excavation. The initial finding of fossil bone, fragment or femur, is one of life’s Eureka moments. I do like working on fossils in the lab where they present the opportunity to touch (sometimes for the very first time) something millions of years old. I yearn to know more about each one of them.

What is your favorite memory of being out in the field?

I loved the local environment…very beautiful. Working with a bunch of passionate fossil hunters was truly one of my life’s greatest experiences, and I will always cherish the memory of hospitality and GREAT food shared at Yellowstone Big Horn Research Association.

 

The view from camp!

Which Jason is better looking?

That would have to be Jason Downs!

Which is smarter?

Hard to say, they all seem brilliant to me.

So besides digging for dinosaurs what experiences where wow moments for you?

Every aspect of natural science is exciting to me! I love learning about new stuff at every turn. While at YBRA I got some great photos of the Rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) hanging out at the porch feeders. I was also able to get photos of other critters and flora as well.

Lastly the Wyoming landscape was simply breathtaking…and I mean it literally sucks the breath from your body!

 

Collecting ~400 million year old fossils at 9,000'. It doesn't get much better than this!