Birds

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Step into the wonderful world of birds…

Our museum holds over 160 bird cases and many of the species within were collected during the Victorian period. In addition to the taxidermy we have 200 bird skins, nearly half of which originated in West Africa. However contentious the actions of this period were, it is our belief that these items now make a valuable contribution to the understanding of birds.

Make a visit and their anatomy, behaviour, evolutionary history and fascinating relationship with man can be looked at and brought to life. Of great importance to us are the tales of extinction, the present day conservation projects – especially in the southern counties – which are underway today and the protection of our biodiversity going forward.

Look at our Passenger Pigeon. Once the most numerous bird the earth had ever seen, possibly up to 10 billion, and then over a few decades it became extinct. Let us tell you how the tragedy unfolded.

Look at our Kiwi. So many peculiarities. It can’t fly, its eyesight is poor and it’s the only bird whose nostrils are at the tip of its bill. Why this design? We can explain the selection pressures that helped evolve this bird and then it will all begin to make sense.

Join our Society or visit our Museum. Attend a talk, chat to a volunteer, look at a specimen, read a book in the library, or join us on a Field Trip. You will be very welcome.

[Cover Photo: Field trip in 2022 to Salisbury Plain witnessing the Great Bustard’s restoration to the UK.    Photo by Sally Grant]

Read about Ashley Leftwich’s Madagascan find