Showing 2787 items
matching birds
-
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Trophies - Bogong Primary School
Trophies were awarded to recognise achievements in many areas of the school curriculum. Sir Kenneth George Luke (1896-1971) was a successful businessman and VFL football administrator. K.G.Luke was a private mint that made 1956 Olympic Games medals for the Numismatic Association of Victoria. It operated between 1937 and 1974. Note: 'Rosebowl replica' may refer to the Rose Bowl Home of the UCLA Football Layered Wooden Stadium Replica With the Los Angeles Campus Skyline. (A football reference for the shape of the trophy?)Bogong Primary School was built for the workers of the SECV during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The school was well equiped and presented a broad curriculum enjoying participation in many organisations. A. Bakelite base with stained metal cup attached to a metal stem with a cup on top. The cup has 2 curved handles and an inscription between them on one side. B. Bakelite base with a metal stained 'silver' cup attached. The cup has a 'neck' with the cup on top. The cup has one curved handle. The other handle is missing. Previously UKV 058 and UKV 061B. The K. G. Luke / Trophy for replica sustained interest in bird study / presented / State School 4590 / Bogong / for sustained interest / in bird study A. "A.M.V -4 / Pet Parade / Save the Children / Fund bogong primary school, pet parade, bird study, k.g. luke trophy -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Nature Fantasy in Australia, 1932
... birds ...The book was used in the Orbost High School library. A blue covered book covered in plastic, Inside the front cover is a library card with a stamped date - 27 February 61 - 2 March 1983. On the back cover is a bar code. written by Alec H. Chisholm. Published by J M Dent & Sons.Stamped throughout is High School Orbostnature-fantasy-in-australia chisholm-alec-h, birds -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Slide - Glass slide, 1891-1905
... birds ...Photograph depicting a magpieMagpie. C. Frenchbirds, magpie -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Cockatoo seen, 20/11/1985 12:00:00 AM
... birds ...Article from Nunawading Gazette, 20 November 1985.Article from Nunawading Gazette, 20 November 1985 on sighting of yellow tailed black cockatoo in Blackburn South, Mitcham and Nunawading.Article from Nunawading Gazette, 20 November 1985. yellow tailed black cockatoos, birds -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Yellow Tail Black Cockatoos at Ballarat, 2016, 22/06/2016
... birds ...Photograph of yellow tail black cockatoos in Ballarat.yellow tail black cockatoo, birds -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Yellow Tail Black Cockatoos at Ballarat, 2016, 22/06/2016
... birds ...Colour photograph of Yellow tail Black Coclatoos in Ballarat. yellow tail black cockatoo, birds -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, Lakes Post Newspaper, 1990
... Birds ...Black and white photograph Graham Ross estuarine ecologist from USA taking a turn at guarding the Little Tern Colony at Lake Tyers. Victoriaenvironmental protection, birds -
Federation University Historical Collection
Sculpture, Metal sculptures
A metal bird, flower and six petaled flower, thought to have been made at the Ballarat Technical Art School.sculpture, metalwork, ballarat technical art school, bird, flower, flora, fauna -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Science and Practice of Butter Making in Australasia
Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Science and Practice of Butter Making in Australasia Author: William Brown Publisher: McCarron Bird & Co Date: 1889Label on spine cover with typed text RA 637.2099 BRO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, the science and practice of butter making in australasia, william brown -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Decorative object - HORN BIRD ORNAMENT, 1920
Bird ornament made from Bullock horn mounted on a black onyx base with silver plated balls for feet.ornaments, bone, bird -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - METAL CREATIONS, 1971
Slide. Metal Creations. Airplanes,windmills,birds,weather vanes are some of the creations made of metal. March 1971slide, bendigo, metal creations., metal creations. -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Belt clasp
Metal clasp for belt; silver coloured with gold coloured blue bird decoration. Attached to cardboard display packaging(On display cardboard) The 'Duchess' ladies belt clasp|The best clasp made. No prongs or hooks requiredcostume accessories, female -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Digital photographs, L.J. Gervasoni, St Peter's catholic church Daylesford 150 anniversary, 2015
Digital images showing Bishop Paul Bird blessing the sesquicentenary cross at St Peter's Catholic Church, Daylesford,victoria, 150, anniversary, heritage, celebration, daylesford, people, crowd, community, swiss italian, catholic, church, st peter's, st peter's catholic church, daylesford, parishioners, tinetti, taffe, gervasoni, bisjop paul bird -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - CHILDS SCRAPBOOK
Childs scrapbook, red cardboard cover containing cuttings and cards with depictions of birds, animals, cars, flowers, etc.books, children's, scrapbook -
Federation University Art Collection
Drawing, Ron Walker, 'Black Hawk' by Ronald Walker, c1991
This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Drawing of a bird. If you are able to provide information on this artist or artwork please leave a message in the comment box below. art, artwork, ron walker, bird, federation college, drawing, available -
Federation University Art Collection
Photograph, Frank Golding, 'Three-quarter Time' - by Frank Golding, 2001
Frank Patrick Golding (1938 - ) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Frank Golding is an author, researcher, historian, consultant: Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Federation University in Victoria, Australia. His formal qualifications are TPTC (Ballarat), BA (Melb), BEd (Melb), Dip MT (UNE), MA (Hons) (London). He has taught English and History in several schools. Frank Golding was employed as Principal at three schools including a multi-site English language centre for refugees and other new arrivals. Later he taught in and managed curriculum and equity programs in education departments and universities. Finally he is the author of 12 published books including a memoir, An Orphan’s Escape: Memories of a Lost Childhood (Lothian, 2005) which describes his childhood as a Ward of the State of Victoria in the ‘care’ of three foster mothers and three institutions. Golding lived in the Ballarat Orphanage from 1943 to 1953. It is his childhood experiences that underpin Golding's active involvement in ‘care’ leaver issues as an advocate and lobbyist. Golding is a Life Member of CLAN (Care Leavers of Australasia Network) the peak body of Care Leavers for Care leavers run by Care Leavers.Image of bird on 1/2 orange citrus fruit - a play on childhood memory of oranges at 3/4 timeSignature on label on backart, artwork, frank golding, bird, federation college, photography, colour photography, alumni -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white print, 315/28, 1951
"The Bird Proof Cage used by the Plant Research Laboratory - 500 yds walk from the Laboratory." EMG "1951"bird proof cage, plant research laboratory, e. m. gibson collection -
Mont De Lancey
Miniature Teacups
6 white china miniature teacups, with painted els and bird walking through grass. Blue rim and handle.teacups -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Award - Trophy, 3RD M.D.A & S.C.A Unit Aggregate 1933 5th BN
Unit Aggregate trophy 5TH Battalion 1933A small-medium size trophy with both bird like handles intact. Base of trophy at bottom has a hole 3RD M.D.A & S.C.A Unit Aggregate 1933 5th BN5/6 rvr, 5/6 rvr pipes and drums, unit aggregate, 5th battalion, 1933 -
Mont De Lancey
Manicure set, Addis
Three piece manicure set including - Nail file, nail cleaner and small hand mirror with bird etching.manicure equipment, nail files, hand mirrors -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Grey Petrel, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Grey Petrel is commonly seen around New Zealand and rarely around mainland Australia. They are large birds with a grey-white-brown colouring who fly just above the water and are often solitary. They mainly eat squid and fish which they catch by shallow diving. Their scientific name, Procellaria cinerea, is derived from Saint Peter and the story of his walking on water. The Grey Petrel can appear to run on water as they prepare to take off. 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.The Grey Petrel is a large bird with a grey and cream coloured plumage. It has short legs with webbed feet and a stout bill. The specimen stands on a wooden pedestal with a paper tag tied around its right leg. The eyes are small and made of a dark coloured glass.15a Great Grey Petrel - Catalogue, page 40.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grey petrel -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Satin Bowerbird (male), 1860-1880
The Satin Bowerbird is commonly located around the eastern and south-eastern coast of Australia. They reside in wetter forests and woodlands, and nearby open areas. They feed mostly on fruits throughout the year but in summer will supplement their food supply with insects and in winter with leaves. The Satin Bowerbird is most commonly known for it's practice of building and decorating it's bower. They will often collect objects of bright blue to decorate the bower including straws, clothes peg, parrot feathers, pens, marble, string, glass and bottle tops. This decoration is done by a male Bowerbird in the effort to attract females. 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 taxidermy Satin Bowerbird specimen has dark black/blue glossy plumage and a pale coloured bill of small size. The bird is of a medium size compared to other species of birds and has pale legs with short talons. The eyes are made of strikingly blue coloured glass which represents the violet-blue iris of this bird while living. The bird has a short tale and has been stylized in a leaning/crouched position with it's back arched upwards and head out long. This specimen stands on a small platform and there is some deterioration to the tail feathers which protrude beyond the platform which may have otherwise provided some protection. Donor - Mr. E.T. / BH. RO. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, bower, bowerbird, satin bowerbird -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Red-Necked Grebe, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Red-Necked Grebe is a medium sized bird with a long neck and pointed bill. During the non-breeding months, this bird has grey, white and brown plumage. During the breeding seasons, the Red-necked Grebe has a rusty red coloured fore-neck and breast with a black bill and white cheeks. This species can be located in freshwater lakes of the northern hemisphere. 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.A Red-Necked Grebe of medium size stylised in a standing position with the face positioned forward. The bird stands on a wooden pedestal with two tags around its legs. One tag is paper and documents cataloguing information and the second is metal and lists the number 4403. This Red-Necked Grebe has pale feathers of white, grey and browns typical of this species in the non-breeding months. The face is positioned towards the front and the small eyes are made from dark glass.On metal tag 4403. On paper tag "32. Red-Necked Grebe.Catalogue, page, 43"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, red-necked grebe -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Red-Necked Grebe, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Red-Necked Grebe is a medium sized bird with a long neck and pointed bill. During the non-breeding months, this bird has grey, white and brown plumage. During the breeding seasons, the Red-necked Grebe has a rusty red coloured fore-neck and breast with a black bill and white cheeks. This species can be located in freshwater lakes of the northern hemisphere. 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.A Red-Necked Grebe of medium size stylised in a standing position with the face positioned forward. The bird stands on a wooden pedestal with two tags around its legs. One tag is paper and documents cataloguing information and the second is metal and lists the number 4492. This Red-Necked Grebe has pale feathers of white, grey and browns typical of this species in the non-breeding months. The face is positioned towards the front and the small eyes are made from dark glass.Paper tag: 32a Red-necked Grebe Catalogue, Page, 43. Metal tag: 4492taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, red-necked grebe -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Scarlet Tanager (male), Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Scarlet Tanager is an American songbird of medium size with bright coloured plumage. They are commonly located in eastern North America and in northwestern South America. They can often be found within woodlands that have oaks. On occasion, the Tanager can be seen in suburban areas including parks and gardens. These birds are sociable and often join with other foraging flocks. They are carnivores (insectivores) and feed on insects including wasps, ants, moths, beetles, butterflies and grasshoppers. The numbers of these birds in America are declining due to exposure and starvation during the colder months. These birds can also die from collisions with man made objects which includes the TV and radio towers, buildings and cars. They also have high rates of predation and brood parasitism. However, at current the IUCN classifies this species as Least Concern and note that their numbers are stable. 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 Scarlet Tanager specimen stands perched on a wooden platform looking forwards in a raised position. It has bright red/orange feathers on the main body and head with dark black feathers on the tail and wings. Overall, whilst retaining a bright appearance the bird has faded in contrast to it's original colouring. The bill is short and pale and the specimen has been provided with glass eyes made in a dark colour. The specimen has two paper identification tags attached to the right leg.Swing tag: 143a / unnamed / catalogue page 59 Metal tag: A4439 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, american, american birds, scarlet tanager, tanager, medium bird, small bird -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper clippings, approx 1909
Early commercial activities of the Hazelwood Family at San Remo approximately 1909. Published in an unnamed newspaperNewspaper clipping entitled "Pictorial History of San Remo" by Cyril Hazelwood, detailing Lou Hazelwood pioneer fisherman and Mutton Bird catching - includes photographs of Manuka Cafe, Vivien Hazelwood's fishing boat, early beach scene at San Remo and collecting Mutton Birds at Cape Woolamai.Pictorial History of San Remo x Cyril Hazelwoodlocal history, documents, newspapers, san remo, local area development by europeans, black & white newspaper clipping, newspapers- san remo, hazelwood family history, commercial activity -
Westbourne Grammar Heritage Collection
Card - Christmas Card from M.M. Molland
This card was sent to a student of the school in the 1950s. It was donated to the heritage collection along with another personal letter from Principal Molland, sent to the student when she was away from school, ill with measles. The card demonstrates the personal attention that students received from Mabel Molland and has historic significance and interpretive capacity in understanding the kind of leader and educator that Mabel Molland was. Small card with printed front, featuring a yellow circle in the centre with areas of red at the top and bottom. The image in the yellow circle consists of two birds on a lower tree branch and a further bird on an upper thin branch surrounded by blue flowers. Predominant colours are yellow, red, green and blue.Inside the card there is a message to a student. The message is signed M.M. Molland. -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Sculpture - Bas-relief, Untitled [Early Agricultural Industries], n.d
Commissioned by State Bank to produce 5 copper bas-reliefs for 73 Percy Street, Portland. Spoke with Miss Betty Vivian (Member of the Portland Historical Society) re Portland's history. Commonwealth Bank stored objects in Melbourne (c.1991). Negotiations between Portland Historical Society and Commonwealth Bank of Australia led to gift of works to People of Portland. Stored at Council depot c.1998, retrieved for Maritime Discovery Centre display.Copper bas-relief depicting two horses pulling a plow, which a man is walking behind and guiding. Three birds are flying close to the ground in the foreground, and there is a stylized sunburst (a partial circular form with radiating lines) depicted in the background. More abbreviated bird forms are depicted against the sun and sky.sculpture, bas-relief, copper -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Container - HARRIS COLLECTION: SMALL METAL JUG
BHS CollectionSmall metal jug (possibly made of pewter). The jug has a decorated handle. The lid has what looks like a bird of prey, on three leaves, a snake is sliding out behind the bird. On the bottom what's looks like an H has been scratched on. From George Harris estatedomestic equipment, containers, jug -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Hardhead, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
Interestingly, the name "Hardhead" does not refer to the density of this species skull. Instead, it refers to the difficulty encountered by early taxidermies in styling the bird's head. This particular breed of Duck is smaller than average and are often found in the coastal regions of Australia. They are also known to reside in New Guinea, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This species was formerly known as the 'White-eyed Duck"; however, since the female Hardhead have dark eyes, this species was renamed the "Hardhead" Duck. 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 Hardhead specimen is a stocky medium-sized duck with chocolate brown colouring. The bird has paler white/ cream coloured plumage on the stomach and neck. The bill is a grey black colour and the eyes are made of a grey glass with a black pupil. The lighter brown colour of this specimen's head could refer to its identification as female or could be due to the taxidermy process or the impact of age on the colouring of the specimen. Female Hardheads have brown eyes, while the male have strikingly pale white/grey eyes. The bird has large webbed feet which are attached to the wooden platform it stands upon. The platform is inscribed on the left with the number 138.7a. / White-eyed Duck / See Catalogue, Page 39. / 138 on the wooden platformtaxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, heron, duck, australaisian shovelor, shovelor