April 27, 2009 12:34 by
megThere are heaps of birdwatchers out there in the parks and gardens of Melbourne and they often bring us feathers they've come across to see if we can identify the type of bird they might have come from.
Photo: Meg Lomax Source: Museum Victoria
Normally, we consult the Collection Manager for the Ornithology & Mammalogy Collection to find out the type of bird that has recently lost its feathers, which is just as well, considering Philip's on-the-spot attempt at the identification of these feathers - according to Philip (Immigration Discovery Centre Coordinator, and NOT ornithologist) they belong to either a "tawny frog hen", a "mud-flapping goosehawk", or a "swan-thing".
Philip also made reference to a bird that he descibed as "round, and barks" - otherwise known to you and I as a magpie. Of course.
For tips on how to do a better job at birdwatching than Philip, have a look at the Museum Victoria Infosheets here and here. And if you do come across a feather of your own and you'd like to know what bird it came from, rest assured that your answer will come from the Collection Manager, and not Philip... just fill out an enquiry form here.
Incidentally, these feathers belonged to either a female Collared Sparrowhawk or a male Brown Goshawk - and that's according to the Collection Manager.
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