The Nankeen Kestrel, a small type of falcon, can be found all over Australia, usually in grassland or farmland areas. This falcon is carnivorous and hunts all manner of small prey including mice, lizards, insects, and other birds. When hunting, Nankeen Kestrels can be seen hovering in the air searching for prey. Nankeen Kestrels are generally monogamous, staying with the same breeding partner for multiple seasons. The Nankeen Kestrel is known for its reddish-brown feathers, spotted with a distinctive black pattern on its back, and have black-tipped wings and tail band, a stark contrast to its white chest. Females tend to be larger, and males will have a grey head and neck area. 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 Nankeen Kestrel is relatively small and slender. It is mostly reddish-brown, streaked with darker coloured areas. The tips of the wings and tail feathers are tipped in black. The chest is white with streaks of reddish-brown. The areas around its eyes, beak, and feet are a bright yellow. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing-tag: 19. / Unnamed / Catalogue page, 5 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, nankeen kestrel, falcon

This Dunstable Kestrel glider, which came to be known as the "Red Kestrel" on account of its colour scheme, was built from plans by Percy Pratt between 1936 and 1938. It was first flown in 1938. Thereafter, it was flown regularly by Pratt at Geelong, Victoria. At the national rally organized by the Australian Gliding Association in December 1939 – January 1940 at the Belmont Common, Geelong, Victoria, Pratt, in his Kestrel, recorded an exceptional 13 kilometre cross country flight of one hour 43 minutes reaching a height of approximately 5500 metres [Allan Ash, Gliding in Australia, p 86]. This Dunstable Kestrel glider represents a good example of a 1930s era sailplane. It is one of three of the type that currently exist in Australia. The aircraft is also important for Australian gliding history because it was built, owned and flown by gliding pioneer Percy Pratt.Wooden airframe covered with plywood and fabric. In course of restoration.australian gliding, glider, sailplane, dunstable, kestrel, bill manuel, percy pratt, belmont, geelong

This Dunstable Kestrel glider (which originally was finished in silver paint) was built in 1939 by Ric New and members of the Lake Pinjar Soaring Club. It first flew on 26 December 1939 at Lake Pinjar. The first extensive flight was on 7 January 1940 when Ric New managed to stay aloft for 30 minutes and reach a height of 3000 metres. Unfortunately the Kestrel was badly damaged the same day when another club member Jim Brabazon stalled and spun in. The Kestrel was repaired by June 1940 and flown extensively at Lake Pinjar in 1940 and 1941 until Government authorities intervened and ploughed up Lake Pinjar as a wartime measure to prevent it being used as a landing field by the enemy [Allan Ash, Gliding in Australia, pp 92 – 94]. The Lake Pinjar Soaring club was reformed as the Perth Gliding Club after the end of the war and was joined by Ric New with his Kestrel [Allan Ash, Gliding in Australia, p 103]. The glider was held in storage at the Gliding Club of Western Australia prior to transfer to the Australia Gliding Museum. The Deed of Gift indicates that it was formerly owned by Wally Williams, also from Western Australia. The aircraft is in poor condition and has some non-original elements. It is one of three that currently exist. Nevertheless it is considered to be an important exhibit for relating the history of gliding in Western Australia.Aircraft of wood structure skinned with plywood and fabric – off-white colour scheme – crazed flaking paint on fuselage – nose of fuselage has been modified by addition of streamlining – damage includes impact holes to plywood, especially on starboard side – wings have been stripped of fabric covering and some ribs are missing – tailplane and rudder are in reasonable condition although, like wings, have been stripped of fabric. Overall, while the main elements of this aircraft are present, there are a number of missing fittings and will require extensive works to restore to a static display standard.australian gliding, glider, sailplane, dunstable, kestrel, bill manuel, ric new, lake pinjar soaring club, lake pinjar, gliding club of western australia

The Nankeen Kestrel, also known as the Australian Kestrel, is a common native to the open country's grasslands and farmlands, preferring agricultural areas. They are drawn to animal pests like mice, insects, small animals, reptiles, and birds. Due to the shape and ability of their tail feathers, which allows them to hoover over their prey, they do not rely on speed to catch their meal like most falcons in their family group. These birds are among the smallest raptors in the Falcon family, having well-known face characteristics and body shapes. The females of the species are distinguished by their darker patterns and red-brown (rufous) tones, as well as their larger size, whilst the males are more greyish. The yellow markings around the eyes and top of the beak, as well as the noticeable black dipped wings, distinguish each species. 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 Nankeen Kestrel is a small raptor in the Falcon family. It has a stockier appearance, with the upper parts of its body, such as the head and the tops of its wings, being a light red-brown (rufous) colour and the tips of its wings appearing dipped in black. The top of the beak and the eye rings are both yellow, and this bird's falcon appearance shows its inherent dark streak markings visible near the eyes and on the chest. The underparts are pale, with a tail feather that spreads out to help it hover and is ornamented with fine black decorations.20. / Unnamed / Catalogue page 5 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, nankeen kestrel

Trophy donated in 1970, by Mr Peter Damman in memory of his father, a Past Commodore of the Club, Seasons 1924-1918, and Long Serving member. Allocated for ‘Off-the-Beach Boats’ it was first won January 15, 1972, by J.S. Collingwood with the Heron Class yacht Cirius II. Later to become solely for the Cadet Dinghy Section and first won Season 1975-76 by L. Mulligan with Kestrel. Following the demise of the 12ft Cadet Dinghy Class, trophy reallocated to cover Squadron long distance series of events.Silver rose bowl trophy standing 240 mm high to lip edge, 380 mm in diameter on solid flared stepped footing. Raised grapes and leaves around top edge also footing of bowl. Has silver wire grid. Trophy mounted on 70 mm high round, bevelled Rosewood base, with silver winners’ inscription shields around bevelled diameter.ROYAL MELBOURNE YACHT SQUADRON PERCY DAMMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY ‘OFF THE BEACH BOATS’percy damman, memorial trophy, perpetual

Coloured photograph of the Maple Street Primary School Grade Prep - 1K 1999 class and the teachers. Their names are: 3rd Row L-R: Michael Robertson, Tahni Logan, Jasmin Vickers, Kestrel Kentish, Danielle Stokes, Jasinta Bergman, Trent Jackson. 2nd Row L-R: Callum Muir, Sheena Dewar, Jory McDowell, James Elliott, Kayla Plunkett, T.J. O'Dea, Bradley Sing, Alissa Argus. Front Row L-R: Taelor Sloan, Jake Cardinal, Alex Craig, Brock Fordham, Zachary Ritchi. Teachers: W Neve, D Kent. Principal: Mr David Robins.Arthur Reed Photoseducation, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square maple street p.s. collection - photograph - grade prep - 1k 1999, michael robertson, tahni logan, jasmin vickers, kestrel kentish, danielle stokes, jasinta bergman, trent jackson, callum muir, sheena dewar, jory mcdowell, james elliott, kayla plunkett, t.j. o'dea, bradley sing, alissa argus, taelor sloan, jake cardinal, alex craig, brock fordham, zachary ritchi, w neve, d kent, mr david robins, arthur reed photos

The Common Buzzard is part of the buteo genus (Latin for buzzard or hawk) which indicates it is part of the raptor group whose features include a medium to large build, a strong body and larger wings. The family includes birds of prey such as hawks and buzzards. Like their name suggests, Common Buzzards are very ‘common’ in the UK but can also be found in other parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. The birds’ habitat consists of woodland, shrubland, forest, wetlands and countryside, and they can live in cold, tropical and temperate climate zones. Similar to other raptor species, Common Buzzards make their nests in tree branches or tree forks. With finely tuned hearing, they are able to detect small marsupials, and their diet consists of small amphibians, birds and mammals. Normally solitary, these raptors can occasionally be seen with others. Common Buzzards are classified as of ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List. While there is some noticeable fading of this particular taxidermy specimen’s plumage, it is relatively well presented. The completely black eyes and string through the nose of the specimen seem to be taxidermy/curatorial choices, as this is not something that is normally found on living versions today, and the eyes of Common Buzzards are normally golden eyes with black pupils. It is interesting to note, when considering the selected artificial eyes, that the original swing tag labeled this specimen as Saleo tinnunculus Lina, a form of kestrel (known to have complete black eyes), which perhaps explains this taxidermist choice. As a Common Buzzard, this particular specimen could have had its frame and breast area bulked out a little more, as birds within the buteo genus are generally recognised to be of medium to large build. Overall however, this is a fairly reasonable and accurate representation of the species. 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.With similar colourings and features to a range of raptor species, the Common Buzzard can often be mistaken for other varieties of buteo and raptor. The bird’s plumage generally varies by location, but normally includes a variety of shades of brown, commonly with darker brown on its back and lighter coloured feathers on its breast, underbelly areas and face. These birds normally have fine bands on their tail and darker tipped wings. Common Buzzards have smaller heads with a band of yellow around the base of their small curved beaks and golden yellow eyes. This particular specimen’s feathers have faded and he stands upon a wooden perch with an identifying tag hanging from its right leg.Swing Tag: Swing tag obverse seems to read: ‘…io [? First few symbols aren’t clear]/ Saleo /tinnunculus/ Lina [there is also another illegible symbol on the tag in the centre on the second line] Swing tag reverse: illegible sections of text and the beginning of a number ‘403…[?]. Metal tag: 1032[?]taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, common buzzard, buteo, hawks, raptors, birds of prey, buzzards