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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Programme - LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION: BENDIGO METHODIST CHURCHES CIRCUIT PROGRAMME 1966, 1966
LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION: BENDIGO METHODIST CHURCHES Circuit PROGRAMME 1966 March 27th 1966 Churches: Golden Square Specimen Hill Kangaroo Flat Lockwoodbendigo, history, churches -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - POST OFFICE GALLERY THEATRICAL TRADITIONS, 2015
Post Office Gallery exhibition catalogue,Theatrical traditions stage & screen in Bendigo, 27 pages with black and white & colour photographs. 2 copies to Specimen Cottage.books, catalogues, post office gallery -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Turquoise Parrot, Trustees of the Australian Museum, Taxidermy Turquoise Parrot, 1860-1880
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. The male Turquoise Parrot is bright green above, with a turquoise blue crown and face. A brilliant two-tone blue band around the bend of the wing contrasts with a dark, brick-red shoulder patch. Its underparts and tail edges are a rich yellow. The female is similar, but not as bright, with a whitish facial mask, no red on the wing, and a pale wing stripe. Old birds of both sexes may have orange underparts. Once common throughout many parts of eastern Australia, the Turquoise Parrot was formerly recorded from near Mackay in Queensland south to Melbourne until the 1880s, when its population suddenly crashed. It was even considered to be extinct by 1915, but populations recovered spectacularly over the next 20 years or so, and by the 1930s they were again recorded through much of their former range. Now the species can once more be seen in many parts of eastern and south-eastern Australia, though not quite as extensively as before. These birds are vulnerable in NSWThis 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 Turquoise Parrot is bright green above, with a turquoise blue crown and face. A brilliant two-tone blue band around the bend of the wing contrasts with a dark, brick-red shoulder patch. Its underparts and tail edges are a rich yellow. Old birds of both sexes may have orange underparts. This particular specimen is faded with some missing feathers. It is mounted on a wooden stand with a tag wrapped around its leg.Label: 80a. / Chesnutt-shouldered Grass Parakeet / See Catalogue, page 22.taxidermy, parrot, turquoise parrot, taxidermy bird, australian bird, burke museum, trustees of australia -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - SPECIMeN HILL GOLD MINE
Black and white photograph. Poppet head with tubular steel legs and two stages lattice stays to braces. Winder house overhead tramway and mullock dump. Chimney at rear. Two tubular steel storage bins. Inscriptions:on site - 'Specimen Hill U G M Co', On front - bottom of photograph 'Specimen Hill Gold Mine, Eaglehawk', on rear - '22', 'Speciment Hill Mine Eaglehawk'.mine, gold, specimen hill (eaglehawk )., bendigo, specimen hill, gold mine, eaglehawk, mines and mining, mine, mines, mining, poppet head -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Dusky Woodswallow, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Dusky Woodswallow is often found in flocks which can be located in two separate populations. The Eastern population if located in Atherton Tableland in Queensland south to Tasmania and west to Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The other population is found in south-west Western Australia. They reside in open forests and woodlands. This species is surprisingly aggressive and may fight with other Woodswallows for territory and nest sights. They will even chase raptors away from their homes. This species flies in flocks of around 10 to 30 birds which cluster together. In terms of diet, these birds eat insects and nectar from flowers. 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 Dusky Woodswallow has largely deep brown colouring with some areas of grey on the head, neck and chest. There is a deeper brown colouring between the wings on the back of the specimen and the wings are black. This bird has a small curved bill which is grey and white. The legs are dark grey and the bird has long talons with an extra long toe in the centre. The eyes are made of brown glass with a back pupil. The bird is styalised standing on a wooden mount and has a paper identification tag attached to its right leg.[torn] / 9 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, swallow, woodswallow, dusky woodswallow -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Kay Cleary at Work, 1983, 07/1983
Ballarat College of Advanced Education was a predecessor institution of Federation University Australia. A female Ballarat College of Advanced Education Librarianship student works with botanical specimens. Each student was expected to study a non-library major. Kay Cleary studied biology. kay cleary, librarianship, botany, alumni, library, biology, student activities -
Greensborough Historical Society
Microscope, Bausch & Lomb Optical Co, Bausch and Lomb microscope, 1912c
Bausch & Lomb were a prominent manufacturer of optical glass and instruments founded in 1853, which commenced making microscopes in 1876. Entered into joint venture with Saegmuller and alliance with Zeiss 1890s - 1903, now global manufacturer of eye products and pharmaceuticals. Possibly used in Australia as a laboratory microscope 1930-1950s.Brass monocular 3 lens (16 mm, 4 mm) laboratory microscope in cedar stained wooden box with key lock and carry handle, with glass specimen slides Plate on base: Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. USA, Logo B L Z S (Bausch Lomb Saegmuller Zeiss), Donald Ross & Co Ltd [Distributor/Agent]microscope -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document, Federation University Science Museum Listing
Listing of specimens held in the Federation University Science Museum. Also a listing of storage locations of the Scott Egg Collection, Key to Arachnids, Key to Myriapods, Nanya Reptile Collection museum, specimen, egg collection, nanya reptiles -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Negative - TOM PATULLO COLLECTION: SPECIMEN HILL MINE,BENDIGO
Negative print. Specimen Hill Mine. Poppet legs, chimney, mullock heaps,large tank. The mine at the time was at 2035 feet deep, and Dividends paid were $520,000.cottage, miners, specimen hill mine., specimen hill mine. -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Photograph, Optical Munitions, with Peter Law & .A.C. Godwin
Part of a series entitled “Optical Munitions - School of Natural Philosophy, 1942-1945”. Black and white photo of Peter Law and A.C. Goodwin examining optical glass specimens.In ink on lower left hand corner : “28”. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - JOHN HALL COLLECTION: COLOURED PHOTOGRAPH CLARENCE UNITED MINE
Coloured photograph of artist's water colour - Clarence United Mine John Hall - artist Photos removed from frames 13/07/2021, from Specimen CottageJohn Hall -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Artwork,other - SPECIMEN COTTAGE COLLECTION: DRAWING, 1970
Pen & Ink Drawing of Specimen Cottage Bendigo, Signed by W.G. Shapcott, Cream card mount & thin black frame, Donated by Mr Atkinson related to Mary ReibyW.G. Shapcottdrawing, ink, building, specimen cottage, w.g. shapcott -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Programme - LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION: BENDIGO METHODIST CHURCHES PROGRAMME PALM SUNDAY 1966, 1966
LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION: Bendigo METHODIST CHURCHES PROGRAMME PALM SUNDAY 1966 April 3rd 1966 Churches: Golden Square Specimen Hill Kangaroo Flat Lockwoodbendigo, history, churches -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Common Starling, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1861
Common Starlings are a noisy bird that typically inhabit urban and rural areas, especially those with short grass for easy foraging, though can occasionally be found in open forests or along costal areas. They are native to a wide area of Eurasia and the North of Africa, though have been introduced to North America, some nations in South America, Fiji, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. They live in large flocks that fly together in strong unison, and have a range of loud calls. Male Common Starlings usually have brown eyes, in contrast to the light coloured eyes of the taxidermy mount. Otherwise, the specimen bears a reasonable resemblance to a typical Common Starlings. 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 Common Starling is covered in black feathers that each have a metallic orange edge. This gives the appearance of small dots across its head and neck, larger dots along its underbelly and back, and lines along the outer feathers of the wings. Its beak is yellow and its eyes are a light blue with a black pupil. The bird is stretched tall with its head turned towards the left and slightly tilted right. The specimen stands on a brown, wooden perch with a circular bar, curved stand, and circular base. The left leg has a metal tag and a swing-tag tied around it and the right leg has two swing-tags tied around it, one of which is torn.Metal Tag: 4256 Swing-Tag 1: Sturnus vulga[illegible]is / male, adult / 25 January 1861 / near Leiden / Swing-Tag 2: Tris grey-brown / Feet black - brown / Bill brown / 4256 / Swing-Tag 3 (torn): ng / e Page 58taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, starling, european starling, common starling, european bird -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Azure King Fisher, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Azure Kingfisher can be located throughout northern and eastern Australia. It can also been found in parts of Indonesia, New Guinea and surrounding islands. This species frequents the Kimberley region in Western Australia and and the Top End of Queensland. In Victoria, it resides inland near the Murray-Darling Basin. These birds prefer to make their homes near bodies of water such as creeks and rivers. They live in areas with shady vegetation. This particular species of Kingfisher are known for their bright and contrasting colouring and tiny stature. They are the smallest Kingfisher found in Australia. These birds feed on yabbies and small fish. 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 Azure Kingfisher is stylized perched upon a wooden stand and has a paper identification tag attached to one of its legs. This bird has a combination of blue, yellow/orange and black plumage. The orange colour is located upon its chest while the royal blue is upon the rear of the bird on its back and head. The blue has faded in places due to age. The specimen is a diminutive bird species with a wide torso and a long and slender black bill. It has a short tail and two glass black eyes. The feet are a pale cream colour.11a. / Azure Kingfisher See Catalogue, page 9. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, kingfisher, azure, azure kingfisher, small birds, brightly coloured birds -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Pink-Eared Duck, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Pink-eared Duck can be found throughout Australia, commonly in locations that are timbered and near water. This species of Duck prefers to reside in areas which are shallow, temporary waters and on occasion may venture into open wetlands if with a large flock; however, this species is highly dispersive and often nomadic. The special bill of this Duck is designed to enable the bird to catch their food. The bill is fringed with grooves which filter out microscopic plants and animals from the water which makes up the birds diet. 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 Pink-Eared Duck is named for the small pink spot of feathers which feature on the sides of the drake's head. Another name for this bird is Zebra Duck because of the striking bold black and white striped plumage which decorates the duck's neck, breast and stomach. The bill is spoon shaped and the eyes are made of dark coloured glass and surrounded by brown colouring. The bird has brown wings and light coloured legs with webbed toes. This particular specimen stands on a wooden square platform. There are signs of damage on the platform and a wooden identification tag is tied to the upper right leg of the bird.6a./ Pink-eyed Duck / See Catalogue, page 39 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pink-eyed duck, pink-eared duck -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Jack Barker and Phil Day with the Baragwanath Donation
William Baragwanath joined the Victorian Department of Mines in 1897, was director of the geological survey (1922-4), Chief Mining Surveyor (1924-43), Secretary for Mines (1932-34), consultant to the Department of Mines (1943-50) . He was born at Durham Lead on 1 August 1878 and was a former student of the Ballarat School of Mines. Baragwanath was president of the Royal society of Victoria (1943-44) and a councillor of the Ballarat School of Mines (1916-1950). After Baragwanath's death on 20 September 1966 the Department of Minerals and Energy (Geological Survey division) donated a number of Baragwanath's items to the Ballarat School of Mines, including this collection. Black and white photograph of E.J. Jack Barker (Ballarat School of Mines Principal) and Phil Day (Head of Geology) standing in front of a cabinet of geological specimens housed in a timber cabinet. ballarat school of mines, geology, ej barker, jack barker, phil day, baragwanath, william baragwanath, victorian mines department -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - SPECIMEN HILL GOLD MINE - PHOTO OF SPECIMEN HILL GOLD MINE
Black & white photocopy of a photo of the Specimen Hill Gold Mine, Eaglehawk. Photo shows poppet legs, bins, building, chimney (with flange near the top), and mullock heaps in the foreground.photo, specimen hill gold mine, photo of specimen hill gold mine -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ROBERT DENIS KELLY COLLECTION: LUGGAGE LABEL
Document: label showing details of Robert Denis Kelly's field unit, (22nd. A.A.S.C.), transport (Themistocles), Pay Book No. 101095, specimen signature and Reg. No. 10874. Rank Sergeant.person, robert denis kelly, world war 1, robert denis kelly collection, france, themistocles. -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white print, Principal's Residence, 1940's
Appears as an illustration in, "Green Grows Our Garden," A.P. Winzenried p 109.Black and white photograph. Principal's Residence, Taken to effectively show the trees and garden beds around the house. In a central position is a fine specimen of a palm. Tall cypresses to the left of the house.On reverse, "1940's."principal's residence, green grows our garden, a.p. winzenried, palm, cypress -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - ENGINEERING CHALLENGES IN 19TH CENTURY VICTORIA
Engineering Challenges in 19th Century Victoria by Brian C S Harper, or Brian Harper, soft cover 256 pages with black and white photographs. Book includes information on the construction of the Bendigo Railway Line, Coliban Water Scheme, Lower Stony Creek Dam, the Saltwater Railway Bridge, and the Taradale Railway Viaduct. Transferred to Specimen Cottage for use June 2016 Missing from Specimen Cottage. Check sale items 8.12.22Brian C. S. Harperbooks, technical, engineering -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Northern Hawk Owl, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Northern Hawk-owl is a nomadic and generally solitary bird, although they can occasionally be seen in pairs. While these birds resemble owls, their behaviour is more similar to that of a hawk, hence their name. Normally active during the day (similar to the hunting habits of a hawk), they prefer to reside in boreal forest, grasslands, shrublands and temperate, cold and polar zones. Located in North America, Europe and Asia, these owls can also occasionally be found during migration, in the northern United States. There are three subspecies in North America, Central Asia and Siberia. At the present time (2021), its numbers are stable and so it is therefore considered of ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not yet endangered. This particular specimen has been correctly mounted and presented as a relatively accurate representation of the actual bird. 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 Northern hawk-owl's face features white and brown soft feathery plumage and a dark brown border around its face/chin area, with a dark cream curving beak soft yellowy brown coloured eyes. Its front breast feathers are generally off white in colour with some flecks of brown. It has a long brown tail with off white banding, with creamy white claws. The owl has speckled brown and white plumage over the back of its body and wings and some areas of more solid brown are present around the back of its neck and top of wings. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and two identifying tags hang from its right leg, while a metal numbered tag hangs from its left.Swing-tag: 38 / Rayed Swin Owl –/ See Catalogue, Page 53. Tag with faded script: No 33 Strix[?] / misarea[?] / Sweden[?] Metal tag - digits on metal tag appear to read, either ‘5028’ or ‘6028’taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, surnia ulula, strigidae, northern hawk-owl, hawk-owl, canadian owl, hudsonian hawk-owl, owl, canada, asia, europe, north america -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Australian Sketch Book of pressed flowers
The Underdown family were early settlers on the Island, possibly in the 1890s. They lived in Reid Street, Rhyll. Name of donor is Ossie or Oswald Underdown.HistoricalLarge pale green sketch book with blank pages covered in native wildflower specimens and each page covered with transparent paper. a few pages of sketches at back of book. Completed in 1912Australian Sketch Bookdrawing book, wildflower collection, native flowers, oswald underdown -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Tool - KIBBLE BUCKET FOR LIFTING ROCK AND GOLD ORE FROM A SHAFT
Kibble- Bucket for lifting rock and Gold ore from a shaft. Previously on loan to Australian National Museum for Goldmining display. Used on Central Victorian Goldfields On Display at Specimen Cottage. 2014cottage, miners -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - EARLY DAYS ON BENDIGO, 1979
Early Days on Bendigo. Recollections of life on Bendigo by F. McKenzie Clarke. Excerpt from the Bendigo Advertiser under the title ,The First Discovery of Gold at Bendigo. Copy 5123b at Specimen Cottage.F McKenzie Clarkhistory, mining. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Geological specimen - GRAPTOLITE COLLECTION: LASIOGRAPTUS (THYSANOGRAPTUS) ETHERIDGEI
Lasiograptus (Thysanograptus) etheridgei Harris (37436) Grey rock, multiple graptolite specimens on surface. "Mo58' on sticker. Fossil collection was formerly held by the School of Mines Museum, Pall Mall, Bendigo. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - Pastorate Bulletin South Bendigo Methodist Circuit, 18/11/1973
The South Bendigo Methodist Circuit consisted of churches at Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, Speciman Hill and LockwoodA4 Programme produced by the Golden Square Methodist Church and the Pastorate of Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, Specimen Hill and Lockwood Churches; contains prayers and bible readings and dedication of a wall plaque.religion, history, lydia chancellor collection -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Memorabilia - JOHN WILLIAMS COLLECTION: SPECIMEN COTTAGE WOODEN MODEL
Wooden model of Specimen Cottage, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.Model is painted white, with brown painted roof. The roof is designed to mimic the profile of the Morecomb and Rogers metal tiles on the original building. Model of cottage was for sale at the Bendigo Market in early 2018 where the donor, John Williams purchased it for the Bendigo Historical Society. Written on 'icypole stick' stuck on front of model 'Specimen Cottage 1856' in black ink. Heritage Victoria listing in historical details field.bendigo, buildings, specimen cottage -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Barn Owl, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 16-1880
Barn Owls are the most widely distributed owl species in the world and one of the most widespread of all bird species, including in Australia. Barn Owls are sedentary and prefer open habitats such as grasslands, farmlands, and open woodlands, where they forage and hunt small mammals, particularly rodents, at night. Barn Owls nest in deep hollows in old trees, especially eucalypts, but also in caves, rock cavities, and sometimes cavities in buildings. Barn Owl's have a highly distinctive white heart-shaped face and pale underbelly feathers. They can be seen circling low above grassland areas at dusk or at night, and their drawn-out shrieking, hissing, and 'eerie' rasping sounds have led some rural populations to consider they have magical powers. Barn Owls vary in size but average 330-390mm in length, with wing spans between 800-950mm. Females are larger than males and most are a mix of white, pale brown and shades of grey speckled with fine black tear-shaped spots. They have a distinctive flat heart-shaped facial mask with oversized oblique black eye-slits and black irises. A ridge of feathers sits above the beak resembling a long nose. The feet vary in colour from pink to grey, and beaks can be pale to dark buff, corresponding to general plumage hue. 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 Barn Owl is medium sized with long wings and a short squarish tail. Its underbelly is pale and speckled with dark spots. The wings and tail feathers are light brown, grey and white with small, dark, tear-shaped speckles on the upper parts. It has a distinctive white heart-shaped facial disc with large black eyes and curved beak. This specimen stands on a wooden perch pedestal and it has metal and paper identification tags attached to its legs. Swing tag: 36. / Barn [torn] / Catalogue [torn] / Metal tag: 4058 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, owls, birds of prey, tyto alba, heart-shaped faced owl, nocturnal birds, predator birds, 'harbingers of misfortune', demon owl, ghost owl, death owl, magical animals, lich owl, birds as omens, barn owl, carnivore, hissing owl -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Photograph - Coloured
The photo is a close-up of a specimen of a type of native pea growing in the bush. Gum leaves and other vegetation also appear in the photo. The flowers have two main colours; gold and rust brown.natural history, flora