birds

Rare Birds Stolen From English Museum

Art thefts at museums are regrettably fairly common but this may the first I've heard of a bird theft. England's Natural History Museum at Tring says that someone has been walking off with their rare bird specimens. The thieves have stolen around 300 bird skins from an archive of rare tropical birds. The thefts were discovered in June after a break-in but museum officials aren't sure when they were actually stolen. The examples chosen included a number of brightly-colored tropical birds and the thieves could have stolen them for a collector or for other uses. The colorful plumage could end up in fishing lures, dresses or even costume jewelry. Professor Richard Lane, Director of Science at the Museum, said that the "birds that were stolen formed part of the nation's natural history collection, painstakingly assembled over the last 350 years."

[via AP]

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Tags: birds, museum, natural history, NaturalHistory, theft

Endangered Parrots of the World Chess Set

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

The Endangered Parrots of the World chess set from Grant Dawson gives chess a whole new avian spin, Each of the playing pieces represents a different species of endangered or threatened parrot. The box for the set is made of Forest Stewardship Council certified walnut and maple finished with a gold-plated border featuring the endangered Laelia Xanthina orchid. The set is available with a sterling silver and gold-plated birds or in a set with a brilliantly colored enamel finish. The enameled set sells for $4,790.

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Tags: birds, chess, chess set, ChessSet, games, grant dawson, GrantDawson, parrots

Ornithology Collection To Benefit Crane Foundation

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

The International Crane Foundation will be the beneficiary of a special auction of one of the best collections of rare bird art and books to go on sale. On October 5, Sotheby's in New York will auction off the collection of Brooks McCormick, chief executive officer of the International Harvester Co. and a student of ornithology. McCormick was a private man and noted conservationalist who did not like to advertise his wealth. The collection features works by Audubon, Mark Catesby and Charles Darwin. The pieces shown above are from a lot of Mark Catesby works valued at between $400,000 and $600,000. The estimated value of the collection is between $1.5 million and $2 million.

[via WiscNews]

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Tags: aucton, bird art, birds, illustrations, international crane foundation, orinthology, rare books, sothebys

Lee Hale Bird Feet Candle Holders

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

If you're looking to put some "creepy" on your table then these Lee Hale Bird Feet candle holders could be what's missing. I'm all about the outdoors and generally gravitate towards things with a natural theme, but these decapitated bird feet are not appealing to me at all. They even look a little violent, what with the big claws and all.

But obviously somebody in the world must love them, and differences in taste is what makes everything interesting. So if you think these are beautiful then great for you -- just 60,000 yen for the pair.

Via Wists

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Tags: bird, birds, candle, candle holder, candle holders, CandleHolder, CandleHolders, candles, feet, hale, lee hale, LeeHale, light, lighting, table, table top, TableTop

Jonathan Adler Bird Salt and Pepper Shakers

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

What better for a summer table than a pair of chubby little birds that won't make a mess? Although they are cute and a little chubby, these bird salt and pepper shakers from Jonathan Adler are also modern and classy. Simplified down to their purest form and then accented with bold geometrical patterns, they have a surprising air of life and I almost expect them to bob their little heads in agreement. Created of high fired stoneware and available in either chartreuse or white, the taller one stands 3" high. $48.

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Tags: adler, bird, birds, jonathan adler, JonathanAdler, pepper, salt, salt and pepper, SaltAndPepper, shaker, shakers

Copper Spiral Bird Feeder

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Pets

This Copper Spiral Bird Feeder is the most striking feeder we've seen in a long time. While the plain, but shiny, copper may not be the most luxurious accessory in your garden, think about how much more visually appealing it is than those thrown-together plywood houses that seem to be just about everywhere. Each one is handcrafted, with a roof to shelter the birds and seed and a perforated lower shelf to provide aeration for the feed and a secure perch for the birds. Even a sparrow would look regal perched atop one of these feeders - and they are only $89.95 each.

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Tags: bird, bird feeder, birds, copper, copper feeder, feeder

Richard Modern Birdhouse

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Pets

This modern birdhouse is certainly a cut or two above the plywood, shop-class construction that has been attracting birds to the back corners of thousands of yards across the country for at least the last half century. The Richard Birdhouse is made out of sustainably harvested teak and is finished with a protective oil that will keep it looking pristine in any weather. The floating roof - which is actually attached with metal dowels - is a 1/4-inch thick aluminum plate. Most small birds can fit through the front entrance hole, but tossing a handful or two of seed inside to encourage them certainly couldn't hurt. Price: $195.

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Tags: aluminum, birdhouse, birds, decor, design, floating roof, house, modern, outdoor, richard birdhouse, shop class, teak, wood