Chance to see rare and exotic birds up close (From Worcester News)

Chance to see rare and exotic birds up close

RARE and exotic birds have gone on show in Worcester.

MAGNIFICENT: Garston Phillips, the collections officer at Worcester Art Gallery and Museum with a stuffed golden eagle.

A fascinating new exhibition, which opened at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum in Foregate Street on Tuesday, is giving people a chance to see rare birds – including some that are now extinct – up close.

The city’s bird collection includes specimens from every continent on earth.

The first donations were acquired in 1833 after wealthy enthusiasts from Worcestershire travelled the globe collecting birds.

The most famous visitor to the collection was the 19th century illustrator and ornithologist John Gould.

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

The museum still collects rare and important birds from within the county, but only those which have died of natural or accidental causes Exhibition curator Garston Phillips urged residents to visit the display, which also includes paintings and beautifully crafted examples of fine bone porcelain bird sculptures made by Boehm of Malvern.

He said: “The historic bird specimens are so fragile that they can only occasionally be used in exhibitions.

“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 museum is open Tuesday to Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is free.