Capercaillie companion on the road.
(Science Week, day 3!)
Apologies for sending you to Twitter in 2024, but I suspect it's worth it.
This leisurely, sadly uncredited, skier on a silent, snow-blanketed road stopped to be approached by what seems a mysterious vulture-turkey. In fact, it's a Western capercaillie, a European member of the grouse family.
Plenty of time later to worry about how it's classified, though – just look at that real encounter with this sizeable wanderer. It seems similarly leisurely; recognizably inquisitive and conversational despite its remarkably distinctive form, voice and inflections.