Rare and extinct birds on display

This is seen as a valuable part of the natural history collection

The Worcester City Museum is hosting a bird collection exhibition, from Saturday 7 November, looking at its history, its importance and its future.

This is an opportunity to get close to extremely rare birds, including some that are now extinct.

Garston Phillips, the exhibition curator said: "The historic bird specimens are so fragile, they can only occasionally be used in exhibitions."

The exhibition continues until the end of February 2010, and entry is free.

Victorian specimens

The Worcester City Museum's bird collection includes examples from every continent on earth.

The first donations of bird specimens were acquired by the museum in June 1833.

Wealthy enthusiasts from Worcestershire travelled the world to collect specimens in the early Victorian period, including some birds that were hitherto unknown to science.

The most famous visitor to the collection was the nineteenth century ornithologist and illustrator John Gould.

The museum's bird collection comprises of 1,300 specimens

It was said that his trip to identify and collect birds in Australia was inspired by a visit to Worcester Museum.

Unique

The museum still collects rare and important birds from the county of Worcestershire, but now only those which have died of natural or accidental causes.

The collection provides important data for local wildlife trusts and ornithological agencies.

Garston Phillips said: "At a time when many species of British birds have seen their populations halved, this exhibition is our opportunity to see a unique part of nature up close."

The exhibition also includes paintings and examples of fine bone porcelain bird sculptures, made by Boehm of Malvern.

The Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am - 4.30pm.

The Bird Collection