Showing 423 items
matching species not transmutable
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Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Papers - Australian Endangered Species, Australian Endangered Species by Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service
Australian Government informing Australians about endangered Australian species in an effort to save and protect them.Kiewa Valley has some endangered species eg. pygmy possum;43 glossy two-sided pages each with an endangered Australian species photo and information. Dated 1978kiewa valley, endangered species -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Indigenous species promoted in book, 9/01/1991 12:00:00 AM
An article written by Cecily Falkingham, co-author, Nunawading Gazette column.An article written by Cecily Falkingham, co-author, Nunawading Gazette column, 'Exploring our habitat' reviewing the Blackburn Tree Preservation Society's plant guide to indigenous species in Nunawading:'Why grow indigenous'.An article written by Cecily Falkingham, co-author, Nunawading Gazette column. environment, blackburn and district tree preservation society, native plants, tribe, dianne, hooke, bernard, smith, les -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Origin of Species
The Origin of Species Author: Charles Darwin Publisher: John Murray Date: 1860Label on spine cover with typed text R.H. 575 DAR Pastedown end page has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, the origin of species, charles darwin -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Iconography of Australian Species of Acacia
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE 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 Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Iconography of Australian Species of Acacia and Cognate Genera Author: Baron Ferd. Von Mueller Publisher: Government Printer Date: 1888Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 5 582 MUE Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Inside front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service and the Warrnambool Public Museum warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, iconography of australian species of acacia and cognate genera, iconography of australian species of acacia, acacia, baron ferd. von mueller -
Federation University Historical Collection
illustrated book, John Ferres, Iconography of Australian Species of Acacia and Cognate Genera by Ferdinand Von Mueller, 1887-8
Six books Iconography of Australian Species of Acacia and Cognate Genera by Ferdinand Von Mueller. All books feature beautiful black and white botanical line images. .1) Fourth Decade, published 1887 .2) Fifth Decade, published 1887 .3) Eight Decade, published 1887 .4) Ninth Decade, published 1888 .5) Tenth Decade, published 1888 .6) Eleventh Decade, published 1888acacia, botany, ferdinand von mueller, john ferres, r. graff, c. troedel, steam litho government printing office -
Greensborough Historical Society
Calendar, Banyule City Council, Banyule Community Calendar 2024: Banyule's significant species, 2024
This community calendar is distributed to residents of the City of Banyule each year. Each year it focusses on an aspect of the local community. The 2024 calendar contains photographs of significant species of flora and fauna in the city of Banyule. Council information is given on the back pages.The annual calendar is a record of the activities and services in the Banyule City Council area.28 pages. Colour illustrations.banyule city council, banyule community calendar, flora and fauna -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Robert S. Brain, Government Printer, Key to the System of Victorian Plant I: Dichotomous Arrangement of the Orders, Genera and Species of the Native Plants, with Annotations of Primary Distinctions and Supporting Caracteristics, 1887-1888
Geen covered book of 559 pages von mueller, bookplate, ballarat school of mines library plate, melbourne public library -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller, Australian Species of Acacia and Cognate Genera
Ferdinand von Mueller was an examiner of botany at the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) between 1880 and 1888. During that era he was active in donating related items to the School. When the Ballarat School of Mines Council agreed to introduce pharmacy and botany classes in 1879, it was apparent students would require access to botanical specimens in order to further their studies. Council members, who were inspired by the work of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, authorised development of an area along the School's northern boundary, fronting Lydiard Street South, and oversaw the establishment of the new Botanical Gardens. Baron von Mueller took a practical role the development of SMB's Botanical Gardens from the beginning. He became a generous benefactor who 'donated collections of seeds and leguminous fodder plants, including valued grasses of interest and use to agriculturalists and graziers generally' to SMB over many years. Ferdinand von Mueller's entry on the University of Ballarat Honour Roll can be found at http://www.ballarat.edu.au/curator/honour-roll/honourroll_von_mueller.shtml Large format, brown, soft covered books with beautiful line drawings. Set contains 6 of 13 parts, Part 1 covers the fourth decade, Part 2 the fifth decade, Part 3 the eight decade, Part 4 the ninth decade, Part 5 the tenth decade and Part 6 the eleventh decade.botany, ferdinand von mueller, von mueller, botanic illustrations, government botanist, acacia -
Wheen Bee Foundation
Publication, Blakely, W.F, A key to the Eucalypts: with descriptions of 522 species and 150 varieties (Blakely, W.F.), Canberra, 1955, 1955
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Wheen Bee Foundation
Publication, Bank of N.S.W, Pasture legumes and grasses: a guide to the identification of selected species used in pasture improvement (Bank of NSW), Sydney, 1961, 1961
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Wheen Bee Foundation
Publication, Australian Industries Assistance Commission, Biological control of Echium species (including Paterson's Curse/ Salvation Jane) (Australian Industries Assistance Commission), Canberra, 1985, 1985
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Wheen Bee Foundation
Publication, Industries Assistance Commission, Draft report on biological control of echium species (including Paterson's Curse/Salvation Jane) (Industries Assistance Commission), Canberra, 1985, 1985
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Wheen Bee Foundation
Publication, Commonwealth of Australia, Forestry and Timber Bureau, Illustrations of the buds and fruits of Eucalyptus species with an alphabetical index (Forestry and Timber Bureau), Canberra, 1959, 1959
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Victorian Apiarists Association
Publication, Illustrations of The Buds And Fruits Of Eucalyptus Species with an Alphabetical Index (G J Rodger, Director General) Leaflet No. 63, Second edition, 1954
Foolscap size publication with tan coloured soft cover -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, AJ Reid, Birds 6 : of Victoria : rare species, 1979
Colour illustrations, maps, colour photographsbirds, victoria, mammals -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Document - Report, Karen Smith, Tree Report: Hazard evaluation of mature eucalyptus species, Wilson Street Malvern, 1999
Report prepared by Karen Smith, CUH Burnley College for City of Stonningtontree report, hazard, karen smith, cuh, burnley, stonnington, malvern -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Document - Report, Jillian M. Lenne, A World List offungal Diseases of Tropical Pasture Species, 1990
Report by Jillian Lenne, Phytopathological Papers No. 31. 162 pp.jillian m. leene, phytological papers, fungal diseases, tropical, pastrues -
Nillumbik Shire Council
Luigi VESCIO, Score for Multi-Species Partnerships, 2020
Score for Multi-Species Partnerships is a participatory performance and moving image assemblage. The score offers a guided framework to become reacquainted with the everyday, queering notions of community and care through meditative movement practice. Inter-species collaborators partake in a series of propositions which facilitate a ‘becoming-with’, deepening their sense of place and comfort with one another and their environment.Seeking alternative forms of connection during isolation, this global project uses embodied praxis and visualisation to bring together artists and non-artists, humans and non-humans, to consider how we co-exist and affect one another through material and energetic transference. Initiated in April 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak, participants chose whether to practise anonymously or document their experience and contribute to the visual archive. The private becomes public as intimate encounters in domestic settings are shared, speaking to cultures of performativity and voyeurism in the digital age. Artist/Director: Luigi Vescio. Performers: Adina Kraus, Anna McDermott, Claudia Lomoschitz, Josh Freedman, Luigi Vescio, Martin Lee, Maximilian Bishop, Melanie Cobham, Nathan Dubber, Niharika Senapati, Omar Felix Faber, Pia Lauritz, Rachel Jessie-Rae O’Connor, Shamira Stone, Will Hall, Yuiko Masukawa.Many thanks also to those who chose to participate in private.This project was also supported by Creative Victoria through the Sustaining Creative Workers initiative.Commissioned by Nillumbik Shire Council as part of the Art in the Time of Covid project which invited artists to create artworks that reflect the pandemic and the artists' personal experiences of it. Video -
Beechworth Honey Archive
Publication, Low Elevation Mixed Species in Victoria's State forests Silviculture reference manual No. 3 (Dept of Environment and Primary Industries)Simon Murphy, Ron Hateley and Peter Fagg, 2013
Soft cover book, slightly larger than A5 size, white & grey cover with a photo of a forest 158 pages -
Beechworth Honey Archive
Publication, Draft report on biological control of Echium species (including Paterson's Curse/ Salvation Jane) (Australia. Industries Assistance Commission), Canberra, 1985, 1985
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Round the Bend Conservation Co-operative
Powerful Owl, The Co-op provides habitat for rare and endangered species such as the Powerful Owl. Sightings of local fauna and birds are recorded regularly
Photo taken on Round the Bend Conservation Co-operativeColour photo -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Wandinong Floristic survey, 1993
A survey and management prescriptions for the enhancement of indigenous vegetation and the control of weed species.A survey and management prescriptions for the enhancement of indigenous vegetation and the control of weed species.A survey and management prescriptions for the enhancement of indigenous vegetation and the control of weed species.wandinong sanctuary, native plants, weeds -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Wild ones watch over their special valley, 1988
Two Mitcham High School boys are making a scientific study of the Mullum Mullum Creek bushlands.Two Mitcham High School boys are making a scientific study of the Mullum Mullum Creek bushlands. They have identified 110 species of native birds.Two Mitcham High School boys are making a scientific study of the Mullum Mullum Creek bushlands. mullum mullum creek, wildlife, birds, mitcham high school, baker, scott, crosbie, nick -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Rare orchid display, 1986
The Orchid Species Society of Victoria.The Orchid Species Society of Victoria is establishing a collection in two glass houses at Nunawading Horticulture Centre, an orchid collection and a display centre, to be the first of its kind in Australia. The Society aims to establish a permanent collection of representative orchid species to encourage conservation appreciation and propagation.The Orchid Species Society of Victoria.horticulture, orchid species society of victoria, horticultural centre, forest hill, kirkman, tim -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, Neville W Cayley et al, What Bird Is That?, 2000
A reference book which identifies every bird species known throughout Australia.Front cover has a large green question mark with a drawing of a kookaburra perched on it.non-fictionA reference book which identifies every bird species known throughout Australia.birds, australia, species, habitats -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Commercial timbers of Victoria, Sample Box
Some decades ago a card sorting set for the identification and description of Australian timbers was developed for timber species which were available commercially and were in common usage, by the Commonwealth of Australia (CSIRO, Division of Forest Products) To complement and inform this national timber set each State or Territory developed reference timber sets of representative species. The Commercial Timbers of Victoria set was Victoria’s most recent (circa 1984) expression of this Victorian timber samples were sourced from logs selected by Forest Commission of Victoria (FCV) District Foresters and milled locally. Kiln drying and machining was carried out at timber producers Row, Web and Anderson, in Port Melbourne. Labeling and boxing was done by FCV Timber Inspectors, with box and booklet design and graphics handled in-house More recent timber samples were badged as Conservation Forests & Lands, reflecting historical government restructuring in the early 1980s Info: Simon MurphyProvided the public, industry (timber and associated), and educational facilities with a reference collection of notable Victorian timbers. Initially in a reduced format from 1940-50s, with boxed sets produced from 1981 until 1984A boxed set of timber samples representing the 20 tree species that were considered to be the most notable in Victoria. The set also includes an information booklet. Each timber specimen has information on species, occurrence, uses and physical properties Produced for sale by the the FCV and later by the Department of Conservation Forests and Lands. (CFL). forests commission victoria (fcv) -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, The Whitehorse landscape as seen by the first settlers, 2011
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 -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Australian White Ibis, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Australian White Ibis is commonly known by the colloquial names "bin chicken" and "tip turkey" in Australian culture. These nicknames have arisen based on the presence of this bird at garbage locations where it is often seen rummaging through the waste. The Yindjibarndi people of the central and western Pilbara call this species mardungurra. This bird is located throughout the wetlands of eastern, northern and south-western Australia. Initially, it was not seen in urban areas, however, the species has been able to adapt and reduce fear of humans due to the lure of food found in human garbage. They commonly feed on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates alongside human scraps. 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 Australian White Ibis has white and cream plumage on its body and a black neck, head, bill and legs/feet. The bill on this particular species has a distinctive long shape which is down-curved. It is a fairly large variety of the Ibis species. This specimen has been stylised in a standing position and is positioned on a wooden platform. 5 C. / White Ibis / See catalogue / Page 32 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, ibis, bin chicken, white ibis, australian birds, australian white ibis -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Red Necked Avocat, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
This particular species is native to Australia and can be located throughout the mainland, preferably in the south-western interior. It is known for its distinctively upturned bill, the males of this species have a slightly more upturn to their bill than the female. This style of bill is unusual among birds and is used to assist them forage in the water of shallow wetlands. These birds feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and seeds. The name of this species is derived from the distinctive chestnut brown/red colouring of the head and neck. Interestingly, the call of this bird has been described as a "yapping" sound which is similar to the sound of dogs barking when performed by a flock in flight. 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 Red Necked Avocat specimen is stylized in a standing position upon a wooden platform. There is a pale brown identification tag tied around its left leg. The bird has long pale grey coloured legs and a characteristic long, thin and black upturned bill. The plumage of this species is largely white. It has a chestnut brown/red coloured head which is where this species gets its name. The wings are white with black tips.25c. / Avocet / Catalogue, page, 36. / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, large bird, red necked avocat, avocat -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Red-Necked Avocat, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
This particular species is native to Australia and can be located throughout the mainland, preferably in the south-western interior. It is known for its distinctively upturned bill, the males of this species have a slightly more upturn to their bill than the female. This style of bill is unusual among birds and is used to assist them forage in the water of shallow wetlands. These birds feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and seeds. The name of this species is derived from the distinctive chestnut brown/red colouring of the head and neck. Interestingly, the call of this bird has been described as a "yapping" sound which is similar to the sound of dogs barking when performed by a flock in flight. 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 Red Necked Avocat specimen is stylized in a standing position upon a wooden platform. There is a pale brown identification tag tied around its left leg. The bird has long pale grey coloured legs and a characteristic long, thin and black upturned bill. The plumage of this species is largely white. It has a chestnut brown/red coloured head which is where this species gets its name. The wings are white with black tips.24c. / Avocat / Catalogue, page, 36. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, large bird, red necked avocat, avocat