Colin Miskelly, with a feathered friend
New Zealand Birds Online, the digital encyclopaedia of New Zealand birds, was launched in June. Colin Miskelly, Te Papa’s Vertebrate Curator, and the editor of the website, says it’s the most comprehensive free-to-view online record of birds that he’s aware of.
“We’ve worked in partnership with the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and the Department of Conservation for the past 3 years. Information has come from more than a hundred authors and 250 photographers.”
Te Papa bird team members are prominent amongst the 11 authors and over 250 photographers who contributed over 6,500 images, including at least one image for all species, living and extinct. Many of the stunning images link to Te Papa specimens and artworks via Collections Online
Te Papa Chief Executive Michael Houlihan says this is a great project for the Museum and the wider community.
“Making our collections and research available online in this way is a priority for Te Papa,” he says. “Access to the website is free and it will be a valuable resource for students around the country or anyone interested in the diverse array of birds in New Zealand.”
There’s more on Colin’s work with Te Papa’s bird research programme here, and on Te Papa’s blog here.
You can hear Colin talk about the challenges and highlights experienced during the development of this ground-breaking project at a special lecture arranged for the Friends of Te Papa on 27 August.