Lyre Bird Gully and Lyre Bird Gully Track run alongside the Olinda Falls. The area has been a popular walking track in the from the 1920s onwards. The photograph is from the album of Ivy Child. Ivy May Child (1910 – 1989) was the daughter of Arthur Edward (Ted) Child (1878 – 1964) and Ethel May Madden (1888 – 1970). Ted Child was the son of Matthew Francis Child (1839 – 1933) and Martha Jeeves (1857 – 1926). He was the grandson of one of the early pioneers Francis Child. Ivy grew up on the family property on Childs Road and took many photographs. Most of these are glued into her photo album. The album covered the years from c1927 – 1932. Ivy married Henry William Burgess (1906 – 1968) in 1944. The photographs remain in their original state in the album with individual copies made. Black and white photograph showing a row of tree ferns in the foreground with bush behind.Written below photograph in album: OLINDA FALLS AND LYRE BIRD GULLYolinda falls, falls, lyrebird, lyrebird gully, lyrebird track

Part of a collection of photographs donated by Julie Barnet. Photographs taken by Julie's In-laws on their honeymoon in November 1946. Some of the photographs showing handling of the birds is no longer acceptable by the public. Collection of Mutton Bird eggs ceased many years ago.229-22. Black & White photograph of the Suspension Bridge taken from Newhaven. Boats on foreshore in foreground. 229-23. Black & White photograph of the Suspension Bridge taken from Newhaven with boats on the water. 229-24. Black & White photograph of four people in a boat on the foreshore (May, Dot, Roy & Pat). Suspension Bridge in the background. 229-25. Black & White photograph of a Mutton Bird's (Shearwater) egg. 229-26. Black & White photograph of a Mutton Bird (Shearwater) with outstretched wings held by Ken West. 229-27. Black & White photograph of Ken West holding a Mutton Bird (Shearwater) with outstretched wings at The Nobbies. 229-28. Black & White photograph of Bert West holding a Mutton Bird (Shearwater) with outstretched wings. 229-29. Black & White photograph of Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. 229-30. Black & White photograph of Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. 229-31. Black & White photograph of Seal Rocks, Phillip Island.phillip island suspension bridge, suspension bridge, wildlife - birds, wildlife - mutton birds, wildlife - shearwaters, mutton birds, shearwaters, seal rocks, seal rocks phillip island, ken west, bert west, julie barnett

A silver Kiwi bird against a gold background. The Nicholas Kiwi Limited company tie pin symbolises the strong bond and history that existed between John Wicking and Malcolm Daubney as friends and colleagues at Nicholas Kiwi Limited and as Presidents and Board Members of Vision Australia Foundation.1 metal tie clip, a silver raised Kiwi bird against a gold/brass circular background. john wicking, vision australia foundation

Orchids, birds on the Bogong High Plains and surrounds and the SECV construction on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme were topics of interest for the workers living there. Taping them would have been an interesting hobby for Jack Farrell.Jack Farrell (1920s - 1990s) worked for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria on the KHES. He worked in the workshop and lived on the river side of Simmonds Creek Road. x10 tapes of orchids, birds and Lake Guy etc. and 1 Panasonic Battery Pack VW-VBC4E for movie camera.The battery has a sticker on it "$99.00"orchids, birds, kiewa hydro electric scheme, movies of native flora, movies of birds

This glass jar once contained Australian-made Nestle’s Malted Milk. The jar carries the company’s familiar logo. This jar would have originally had a screw-top metal lid. The large jar may have been used in a canteen, hospitality business or hospital due to its capacity. The jar was owned by Dr W.R. Angus, surgeon and oculist, who lived in Warrnambool with his wife and growing family for over thirty years. It may have been purchased from the Nestle factory in nearby Dennington. The jar was donated by his family and is part of the W.R Angus Collection. Nestles Malted Milk powder is usually added to either hot or cold milk as a nutritious drink supplement. The powder is a combination of evaporated whole milk powder, malted barley and wheat flour. Nestle began in 1867 and its products were available in Australia since the 1880s. Australia had become Nestle’s second-largest export market by 1906 and by 1908 Nestle had set up business in Australia. The Nestle factory in Dennington, Warrnambool, opened in 1911 and was the world’s largest condensed milk plant. For over 100 years the factory produced dried milk powder from the produce of local dairy farmers. It was a major employer for the district until an announcement was made on May 2019 by its recent owner Fonterra that it was closing its Dennington site for financial reasons. This Nestle Malted Milk jar is connected to the history of Warrnambool, as it was owned by the daughter of Dr W. R. Angus and his wife Gladys. It is part of the W.R. Angus Collection, which is notable for still being located at the site connected to Doctor Angus, Warrnambool’s last Port Medical Officer. It is also connected through its manufacturer Nestle. which had a branch in Warrnambool from 1911 to 2019, overlapping the time when the Angus family resided there, from 1939 to the 1970s. The jar is also significant as an example of the early-20th-century food found in local households and businesses, and could have been purchased from the local Nestle factory.Round tall clear glass jar with a wide mouth, short neck and straight sides on a cylindrical body. The jar has been blow-moulded in two pieces with a side seam running from the base to the top of the lip. There are air bubbles in the glass, and the base has been ground flat. The outside of the mouth is threaded. Inscriptions are moulded on one side and there is a round logo with text around an image of a mother bird with three young birds in a nest. The jar once contained Nestles Malted Milk and was made in Australia around the 1920s. The jar is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.Inscription: “PREPARED / IN AUSTRALIA” and “TRADE MARK / REGISTERED” Logo; “NESTLES MALTED MILK” around image [bird feeding young in next]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, nestle, malted milk, glass jar, nestle jar, nestle malted milk, dennington, nestle australia, w.r. angus collection

Egg and nest collecting was considered a hobby for the 19thC Victorian gentlemen and the handwritten notes that often accompany the eggs can be as valuable to curators as the eggs themselves. Details have helped scientists understand the changes in bird nesting behavior in the past century and some of these historical eggs have also played a role in major scientific discoveries. Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were fascinated by the new flora and fauna they found in the local and wider countryside.This is a typical collection of natural objects of an early settler in Moorabbin Shire 19thC when Charles Darwin inspired a general interest in the evolution of speciesA collection of bird eggs, nests and a seahorse in a wooden display box with a glass lid .bird's eggs c1900, bird's nests c1900, victorian era collectors, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, natural sciences, ornithology, darwin charles,

The photograph shows two tramcars and two trailers on a school excursion for Bird Day, October 1913 in what is now Brougham St Geelong, led by tram No 4 with the MESCo Power station behind. Many students can be seen in the first trailer. Yields information about the use of trams for a school excursion.Black and white photograph with some details on rear.In ink "State school excursion bird day Oct 1913" and "Tramcars in services in 1947 but not trailers"tramways, trams, geelong, brougham st, tram 4, mesco, power station

The Little Pied Cormorant is commonly seen in Australia's wetlands. These birds reside amongst large flocks in locations where fish is plentiful. On the occasion that this bird is seen on inland streams and dams they will be solitary. This particular species willingly mixes with similar sized birds including the Little Black Cormorant. They feed on aquatic animals ranging from insects and yabbies and are labelled as benthic feeders because they find their prey on the seafloor. 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 Little Pied Cormorant specimen is a small bird with white and black colouring. The back of the head, neck, wings and tail are black while the undersides are a creamy white. The feet are webbed and are also dark in colouring. The bird has pale glass eyes and a medium sized bill and a long tail. This specimen is styled to look over it's left wing with its long neck bent to look in that direction. It stands on a wooden mount with a paper identification tag attached to the bird's right foot. The mount has the number 152 written on the wood.Swing tag: 21a. / Pied Cormorant / Catalogue page 41 / Mount: 152 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, cormorant, little piet cormorant, waterbird

Departments, Regions, Municipalities and Organisations which are members of the Conservation League. These books were provided free of charge to residents.Paper cover: 3/4 Green strip with white & black print. Black section containing map of Victoria below a colour picture of a nesting mother bird with chicks below black strip with white printVictori's Resources Vol 3. No. 4. December 1961 February 1962. Published Quarterly Price 1'6 Golden Whistler Beautiful Insectivorous bird widespread thoughout Australiatourism

Mairin Ni Shiochain Máirín Ní Shíocháin’s practice reflects a lifelong affinity with non-human animals. Her observation of animals and birds in natural habitats in and around Ballarat and district was the foundation for this research. She won a Ballarat Art Foundation Award in 2012. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over r000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Blue headed bird perched on a wooden stand. Individual feathers are made from paper, coloured with watercolour. art, artwork, mairin ni shiochain, bird, sculpture

CEMA Art Collection. Part of "A Community View" 150 years in Portland Screenprint Exhibition. Part of Angela Gee Residency 1983 and 1984.Laminated screenprint of several birds (gannets). In the foreground is a white seated bird with a peach coloured head. Behind this bird are seven standing birds and one seated. The birds are printed on dark blue background.Front: Leanne Hollis (lower left) Back: 21

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the nineteenth century. Photograph of 'Birds of this area' display with drawings of birds mounted on coloured paper and a sign for the 'Bird Observers Club of Australia'Catalogue number on reverse in pencil.churchill island, photograph

The video shows Laurie LIght, a sleeper cutter for 42 years, using a swing saw. There is also a video of a lyre bird display. Laurie Light was born on May 12, 1938 to parents, Arthur Vernon Light and Nellie Hall. He started work with his father, a sleeper cutter for the Victorian Railways, at the age of 16. (More info. from newsletter LAURIE LIGHT, SLEEPER CUTTER - Heather Terrell)This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. It is also associated with the timber industry of East Gippsland.A D.V.D. of pictures and a video on Laurie Light, a sleeper cutter from 1950-1992. The disc is in a clear plastic case with a black insert. It is a copy of the original. this copy was probably made in 2016.On disc in red marker : "LAURIE LIGHT SLEEPER CUTTING with swing saw and lyre bird display"sleeper-cutting light-laurie timber-industry-orbost

The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is a waterbird which can be commonly seen wading through shallow waters. This particular variety of Spoonbill is found across Australia, mostly in the northern and well-watered inland areas. It resides in freshwater wetlands, dams, lagoons and swamps. The species feeds on mainly aquatic insects and larvae. The bill has vibration detectors called papillae inside the spoon which enables the bird to feel the vibrations of its prey in murky water. These birds nest in the colonies of other birds like the Ibises and Royal Spoonbills. They live in high forks of trees over water or in reed beds. 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 Yellow-billed Spoonbill specimen is a large taxidermy of mainly white colouring. The bill is a large and unique spoon shape and is yellow. The long gangly legs and the skin on the face are also yellow. The eyes are made from a black and yellow glass and the bird is stylized standing on a square wooden platform. A paper identification tag is tied to the bird's upper left leg.6c. / [illegible] / Spoonbill / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, spoonbill, yellow-billed spoonbill, yellow billed spoonbill, waterbird

At the crossover between placemaking and public art, this space designed and constructed by Katherine Masiulanis embeds local stories to enliven the local community centre. Masiulanis has designed the public artwork to reflect the lines of crops and ploughed fields and mountains in the surrounding landscape. The artwork also refers to the seasonal travel of Aboriginal people from Wendouree to Burrumbeet and migratory birds making a similar journey. The style of the refurbished courtyard will reflect the 1970s positivity style reflected in the Community Centre architectural design and the history of the first development of the ‘Village’. Cardigan Village is home to about 450 residents on the outskirts of Ballarat. It was established in the 70s, with all the positivity and optimism of the period.Painted walls, metal bird shapes, metal cut out wall shapes, stone bowl

The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird located in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and in parts of Africa. They reside in large bodies of fresh water and are renowned for their elaborate mating dances. When breeding, the Great Crested Grebe has tawny cheek "fans" and black crests; however, in the non-breading seasons the plumage of this bird turns white. 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 Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird. It typically has cheek "fans" on the sides of the face and elaborate crest feathers which are shed after breeding, as is the case for this specimen. This bird is in a tall standing position with its neck stretched upwards and facing left. The small dark eyes have been made from glass and a large pointed bill. It has a metal tag tied to its left leg engraved with the numbers "4401". The skin surrounding the toes are flat which assists the bird when swimming.On tag 4401taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, great crested grebe, bird

One of a collection of fourteen items of clothing and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, often using commercial or patterns using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically the examples, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Linen table cloth with printed images of birds of Australia with a two-tone green borderlisa sylvan, household linen, table cloths, australiana, australian birds

Second Prize for the Egg Laying Competition, 1957-58. See 98.1025 for accompanying Certificate.Sash with gold fringes at each end and gold lettering inscribed: Governement of Victoria Burnley Egg Laying Competition, 1957-58 SECOND 6 Bird Team (White Leghorns) (48 Weeks) 1401 First Grade Eggs S. Hudson, Coburg. Governement of Victoria Burnley Egg Laying Competition, 1957-58 SECOND 6 Bird Team (White Leghorns) (48 Weeks) 1401 First Grade Eggs S. Hudson, Coburg.egg laying, competitions

The Musk Lorikeet is a bright coloured bird which commonly resides in south-eastern Australia. They also live in the drier areas of Tasmania. These birds are common in suburban and urban areas and are nomadic, meaning they are willing to travel significant distance to find flowering trees. The bright colours of this Lorikeet enable the bird to camouflage in dense foliage. 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 Musk Lorikeet is a beautiful species of parrot with mainly green plumage. it has a patch of yellow on the side of the breast which has faded to a grey on this specimen. This could be due to the impact of the taxidermy process or a product of time. The bird has an orange patch on the forehead and band through he eye to the ear coverts which has also faded from a brighter red colour. The crown of this bird is grey and would have been a grey-blue colour originally.87a / (89a)? Musk Lorikeet / See catalogue, page 24. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, lorikeet, musk lorikeet

The Musk Lorikeet is a bright coloured bird which commonly resides in south-eastern Australia. They also live in the drier areas of Tasmania. These birds are common in suburban and urban areas and are nomadic, meaning they are willing to travel significant distance to find flowering trees. The bright colours of this Lorikeet enable the bird to camouflage in dense foliage. 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 Musk Lorikeet is a beautiful species of parrot with mainly green plumage. It has a patch of yellow on the side of the breast which has faded to a grey on this specimen. This could be due to the impact of the taxidermy process or a product of time. The bird has an orange patch on the forehead and band through he eye to the ear coverts which has also faded from a brighter red colour. The crown of this bird is grey and would have been a grey-blue colour originally.88a / Musk Lorikeet / See Catalogue, page 24. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, lorikeet, musk lorikeet

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 female Superb Lyrebird is primarily grey/brown. It has shorter tail feathers than the male, which are dark and light brown, and vary in size. The bird's wings, chest and belly are a lighter grey/brown, and there are hints of yellow-white in the edges of the feathers and through the bird's chest. The bird has strong legs and a small beak. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform.37a. / Lyrebird / See Catalogue, page [illegible] /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, superb lyrebird

This book describes the type of vegetation that covered the landscapes of the area, where streams flowed, when wetlands occurred and which species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish & insects inhabited the area. Author: Gary Presland.This book describes the type of vegetation that covered the landscapes of the area, where streams flowed, when wetlands occured and which species of mammals, birds, reptitles, fish & isects inhabited the area. Author: Gary Presland.whitehorse region, natural history, vegetation, fauna, geology, (mr) gary presland

Charlie Birdcharlie bird, maldon brass band

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

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