Take a look at these class notes concerning a branch of dinosaurs evolving into birds. Alligators, crocs, horseshoe crabs, and sharks are very prehistoric looking aren't they? So are birds. Think of as ostrich or other birds that don't fly and stand on two legs. I think birds are amazing.Here's a link to some notes for some class. It's pretty common knowledge these days. Hopefully you'll look over the pictures and appreciate birds a little too. They aren't just nervous and jumpy pests in my opinion.
Lots of examples in these class notes of bird evolution
Link to California Birds with nice photographs. Learn a few.
