Showing 846 items in the category Natural World
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Barwon Coast Discovery CentreAnimal specimen - Rainbow Lorikeet
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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.Animal specimen - Fleece, Unknown
This display case stood in the foyer of the Fletcher Jones shop in Flaxman Street, Warrnambool which was in the factory complex. The fleece came from the property of Jim Wilson of Camperdown . It is from a merino flock bred from original flock dating back to the time of John MacArthur, founder of the Australian wool industry. David Fletcher Jones, ( 1895 -1977) established his men's clothing shop in Warrnambool in the 1920s and from this grew an Australia wide company Fletcher Jones and Staff which was famous for its men's wear and later women's clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was closed and the company dissolved.This item is of particular interest as it came from a Fletcher Jones shop. Fletcher Jones factory and shop were part of a major industry in Warrnambool's history. As the notice in the display case says the fleece "represents living evidence of a mile stone in Australia's laudable history of fine wool growing"This is a large glass display case, mounted on a wooden base. It contains a sheep fleece and a framed notice containing typed information.fletcher jones clothing company, merino wool growing in australia -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumGeological specimen - Fossil Leaves
A fossil refers to any remains or traces of past life that are preserved in the rock. It could be remains of plants or animals. Fossil leaves are commonly found on different types of rocks. These fossils can go as far back as the Triassic Age just like the series of fossil plants collected at Denmark Hill, Ipswich in Queensland. Fossils leaves are formed when dead plants get buried by sediments like mud, sand, or volcanic ash. Often, it gets detached cleanly from stems along a special layer of weak cells, then twigs, and, less commonly, cones of conifers and fruits and seeds of flowering plants. Over time, the leaves or pieces of leaves get buried by more sediments and eventually gets 'lithified' or hardened into a rock. Erosions and mining can cause the rocks to break and reveal the fossils buried in it. Fossilisation frequently takes place at sites in the lowlands where deposits of clay, silt, sand are found. This is usually due to weathering and erosion of rocks. Fossil leaves can provide information about ancient Australia's way of living. It contributes to Victorian biodiversity records and its botanical collections. It also contributes information on the geographical profile of Victoria as fossilisation usually occur at estuaries and deltas of rivers, river flood plains, ponds and lakes. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Piece of light brown rock with fossilised leaves in shades of golden yellow and brown.Existing label: Fossil Leaves / Locality unknown / might be worth checking if this is Glossopteris, a Permian age plant. / C. William 16/4/21 geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, fossil leaves, fossilization, 1868 geological survey of victoria, lithified, rocks, fossilised leaf, rock, fossils, leaves -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Eucalyptus leucoxylon F.Muell, 1/11/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, eucalyptus leucoxylon, yellow gum, myrtaceae -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Eucalyptus rubida H.Deane & Maiden, 25/10/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, eucalyptus rubida, candlebark, myrtaceae -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn, 16/11/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, silybum marianum, varigated thistle, asteraceae -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAnimal specimen - Belted King Fisher, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Belted Kingfisher is commonly seen near bodies of water or coasts in Canada, Alaska and the United States. During migration periods these birds may stray far from their usual habitat. Interestingly, the female of this species, as is the case for this specimen, is often larger than the male. They are also more brightly coloured. This species feed on amphibians, small crustaceans, insects, small mammals and reptiles. They lie await perched on a tree located close to water and remain there watching until they see their prey. When they have located their prey, the Belted Kingfisher plunges its head into the water and catches its food. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Belted Kingfisher stands upon a wooden perch with a light brown paper tag attached to leg. This specimen has pale cream/white and slate grey/blueplumage. The head and back are coloured the blue-grey while the neck and stomach are cream/white. The bird has a black ring around its upper chest. The stomach has a chestnut brown band which identifies this particular specimen as female. The bill is long and pointed and the eyes and legs black. The bird is small and stocky with a large head and a square-tipped tail.95.a / Belted / Kingfisher / Catalogue page, 25 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, kingfisher, small birds, belted kingfisher, king fisher, female bird -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Acianthus exsertus R.Br, 25/10/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, acianthus exsertus, mosquito orchid, orchidaceae, gnat orchid -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Geological specimen - GRAPTOLITE COLLECTION: TETRAGRAPTUS PROXIMATUS NICHOLSON
Tetragraptus proximatus Nicholson. Dark grey rock, ' La15' written on sticker. Lancefieldian. Fossil collection was formerly held by the School of Mines Museum, Pall Mall, Bendigo.graptolite collection, bendigo school of mines -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Drosera auriculata Backh. ex Planch, 23/10/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, drosera auriculata, tall sundew, droseraceae -
Barwon Coast Discovery CentreAnimal specimen - Flying Black Swan
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Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Eucalyptus aromaphloia L.D.Pryor & J.H.Willis, 25/10/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, eucalyptus aromaphloia, myrtaceae, scent-bark -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAnimal specimen - Spotted Quail Thrush, 1860-1880
The spotted quail thrust is a heavily patterned bird native to Australia. It expresses many calls, including a long, very high-pitched "seeeeeep” and a long sequence of doubled whistles, but the main call in inaudible to humans. Due to their heavy camoflague pattern, they are often very difficult to observe. They are often found on the forest floor. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. The spotted quail thrush is characterised by yellow and brown tones with black spots on the flanks. The females (10056) have a yellow ochre-coloured throat patch. This particular quail has lost its tail feathers. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Label: 43a. / Spotted Ground Thrush / See Catalogue, page 15. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, spotted quail thrust, quail -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAnimal specimen - Sand Goanna, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
Sand goannas are the second largest species of carnivorous lizards found across mainland Australia. They can grow up to 160cm in length and can weigh as much as 6kg. Their common name is derived from "iguana", since early European bush settlers in Australia likened goannas to the South American lizards. Goannas retain special cultural and historic significance within Australian folklore and Indigenous culture. They were an important traditional native food source and are commonly represented in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. In some Aboriginal languages, the sand goanna is called "bungarra"; a term also commonly used by non-Aboriginal people in Western Australia. In Pitjantjatjara and other central Australian languages, goannas are called "tingka". This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Small goanna with a streamlined body and textured scaly skin in different shades of olive and brown. It has a long neck and a long tail which narrows towards the tip. The goanna has four short, stocky legs which meet with large, curled claws. Its mouth is slightly slightly open, and it has two black glass eyes.On tag: BMM / 5892 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, lizard, goanna, sand goanna, monitor lizard, various gouldii -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumGeological specimen - Chalcedony
This specimen was recovered from Philip Island in Victoria. Chalcedony is composed of Quartz and Silicon Dioxide represented as SIO2. It has and is still used as a gemstone for thousands of years. This is an excellent specimen Chalcedony that shows its aesthetic properties. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study. Uniquely shaped piece of Chalcedony with opening in the centerburke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Tricoryne elatior R.Br, 15/11/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, tricoryne elatior, yellow rush lily, asphodelaceae -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumGeological specimen - Black Coal
This specimen was recovered from Wonthaggi in Victoria. Coal is a sedimentary rock which is composed of peat after it has been exposed over millions of years. This is an example of Australian black coal which is used as either thermal or coking coal for electricity generation or manufacturing processes. It is predominantly composed of Carbon which is 'C' on the periodic table of elements. This early example of a coal sample, shows the important role that coal played/plays in Australia's energy generation and manufacturing processes. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Small piece of black coal with museum original labelGeological survey / R..... S...../ Locality Cape Patterson coal specimen, burke museum, geological survey of victoria, geological specimen, geology -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Drosera glanduligera Lehm, 2/11/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, drosera glanduligera, scarlet sundew, droseraceae -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Eucalyptus radiata Sieber ex DC, 23/10/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, eucalyptus radiata, narrow-leaf peppermint, myrtaceae -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural CollectionAnimal specimen - Whale Bone, n.d
Originated from a private museum at Bolwarra. It is unknown if the whaling tools are associated with Portland's whaling industry.Small piece of whale bone. -
Stawell Historical Society IncAnimal specimen - Realia, Four Biology Dissection Rat Specimens
8700 -1 Dissected Rat Cut through in the medium sagittal plane Showing internal organs and arteries -2 The Blood Vascular System of the Rat Australian Biological Supply Company Ramsay Surgical Limited -3 Urinogenital System of the Rat Australian Biological Supply Company Ramsay Surgical Limited -4 The Alimentary System of the Rat Australian Biological Supply Company Ramsay Surgical Limited Four Dissected Rats. Mounted on Boards in Glass Jars and Formaldehydeeducation, science -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Cicindea filiformis, 23/10/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, cicindea filiformis, gentianaceae, slender cicindea -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAnimal specimen - Rainbow Bee-Eater, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Rainbow Bee-Eater is native to Australia, living across the mainland, except in desert areas. Male and female birds are both brightly coloured, the primary difference being the length of their tail streamers. Male Bee-Eaters have longer streamers than the females. They are insectivores and use techniques to remove threats to themselves; eg. they will remove wasp's stingers to avoid the poison. They nest in sand and dig a long tunnel, at the end is a 'chamber' where they lay the eggs. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. The Rainbow Bee-Eater is a uniquely beautiful species of bird with strikingly bright colouring. The plumage is green, blue, chestnut and yellow. The build of this specimen is small and graceful and the bill is slender and curved. This Bee-Eater has two distinct streamers that extend from the base of the tail. The glass eyes provided to this specimen are dark black in colour; however, in life, this specimen has red eyes which contrast with the black stripe of colour that is located from the base of the bill to the ears. Below the black stripe, is a smaller pale blue colour. The throat is orange-yellow and the breast is green. The tail is black with a blue tinge to the plumage closer to the rear of the torso. The colouring on this particular specimen has faded significantly, but it provides a good example of what this specimen looked like while alive.Label: 5a / Australian Bee-Eater / See catalogue page 7 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, rainbow bee-eater -
Barwon Coast Discovery CentreAnimal specimen - Southern Boobook Owl, Southern Boobook Owl on Branch
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Stanley Athenaeum & Public RoomGeological specimen - Chalcedony, Chalcedony (Quartz family, local - Woolshed) - Geological Specimen
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Glenelg Shire Council Cultural CollectionAnimal specimen - Whale Bone, n.d
Originated from a private museum at Bolwarra. It is unknown if the whaling tools are associated with Portland's whaling industry.Whale's vertebra. -
Federation University HerbariumPlant specimen, Alexander Clifford Beauglehole, Wilsonia rotundifolia Hook, 16/11/1978
Cliff Beauglehole was an orchardist at Portland, Victoria, who throughout hislife took an intense interest in the plants of Victoria. Over his lifetime he collected 90,000 plant specimens as part of a comprehensive study of Victoria's plants and wrote thirteen books under the heading The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in Victoria, each written to cover the 13 study areas of the Victorian and Conservation Council.A mounted botanical specimen.beauglehole herbarium, herbarium specimen, botany, herbarium, plant science, plant specimen, field naturalists' club ballarat, federation university herbarium, wilsonia rotundifolia, round-leaf wilsonia, convolvulaceae -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAnimal specimen - Superb Lyrebird, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Superb Lyrebird is a large ground-dwelling bird with powerful legs and long tail. Found in rainforest habitats in southeastern Australia, it forages in leaf litter for food. It has a very powerful song and is known for mimicking other species. The males have spectacular long tail comprising a variety of feather types, where juveniles and females lack the longer tail feathers. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This male Superb Lyrebird is primarily grey/brown. It has striking tail feathers that are white, beige and darker brown that vary in size. Aside from the middle of its tail feathers, the parts of the bird which are darker brown include the top of its head, wings and back. The bird has strong legs and a small beak. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, superb lyrebird -
Creswick Campus Historical Collection - University of MelbournePlant specimen - Victorian Eucalypts - a visual display, Victorian Eucalypts, c.1966
Seed, leaf, bud and distribution. Prepared by Ron Hately at the end of his first student year.Specimen case -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumAnimal specimen - Australian Hobby, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
Hobbies are mainland birds that prefer to spend their time in forests and woodlands. They are widespread in Australia's colder eastern states, particularly Adelaide, Victoria, and Southern NSW. With a diet of bats, insects, and small birds, they use their refined wing structure, which is long and narrow in shape, more suited to speed than precision, and sharp reflexes to catch prey in mid-flight. Because they are members of the Falconidae and Falconiformes raptor families and have similar characteristics, they are frequently confused with their relative, the Peregrine Falcon. Close inspection reveals that they are half the size and have a more pronounced dark masking around the eyes. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Australian Hobby is a medium-sized bird with a falcon-like appearance, long wings, and a commanding posture and presence. This bird has a distinctive brown/black helmet on its head, as well as a mask-like face that is highlighted by the prominent white half collar. Over the top of reddish brown underpart feathers, streaks of black lined patterns decorate the protruding chest. With its squared off tail feathers, the bird's back is dark brown and appears elongated and domineering. It is perched on a wooden stand and is secured with wire that does not obscure the talons.No swing tagtaxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, falcon, falconidae, falconiformes, peregrine falcon
