Tuesday, December 11, 2012

National Geographic Museum exhibit features birds of paradise in Washington D.C

The National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. has a new exhibition called “Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution".
The exhibition is the first to reveal all 39 species of these elusive birds thanks to the groundbreaking research of photographer Tim Laman and Cornell Lab of Ornithology scientist Edwin Scholes.
It highlights the extravagant plumage, crazy courtship dances and bizarre behaviors of the extraordinary birds from Papua New Guinea.

The exhibition will run until May 2013.
Since their partnership began in 2004, Laman and Scholes have been dedicated to documenting and understanding the lives of birds-of-paradise.
 During 18 expeditions over eight years, the two were able to capture photographs, videos and detailed observations of these bird species.
The “Birds of Paradise” exhibit gives visitors an in-depth look into the lives of birds-of-paradise. Visitors are greeted with natural soundscapes, traditional wood carvings, and photographs of all 39 birds-of-paradise species.
In addition, visitors can examine the bizarre courtship dances that the males perform to attract the females through interactive games and videos.
The exhibition also highlights the importance of birds-of-paradise to the island and how the country’s environment allowed the birds to adapt and evolve over time.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations.
 Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet.
For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and www.natgeoed.org/birds-of-paradise
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is nonprofit, member-supported organisation with the mission to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.
Learn more at www.allaboutbirds.org and at www.birds.cornell.edu.

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