June 1, 2009 11:06 by
LukeThe start of winter sees snakes in hibernation, and although the Alpine Copperheads can operate at cooler temperatures than lowland snakes, even they need to hibernate in the winter. So while the snakes are hibernating in the back of house lab, the empty display in the Forest Gallery has been refitted to show some of the exquisite orchids of the tall mountain forests, which flower throughout the winter. They are in full bud at the moment and ready to put on a show inside the glass display case- which incidentally protects the orchids from the rampaging Satin Bower Birds. When we first put potted orchids on display in 2007, the bower birds used their razor sharp beaks to destroy the plants. This year the birds will just get frustrated.
Orchids in bud, Forest Gallery Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria
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