Come see the largest collections of birds’ eggs and nests in the world!! 

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (WFVZ) has more than a million specimens, and a very large collection of bird study skins and mounts (nearly 70,000).  Tours at the WFVZ are of our vast collection of avian (bird) materials that are primarily from the 1850s through 1950s. Tours are led by biologists and scientists who work at the museum.

These are the topics that will be covered during the tour:

(1) The history of the collections and the scientific uses for them; how the materials are curated;
(2) The diversity of birds of the world;
(3)The relationship of birds to NGSS topics including natural selection and adaptation, habitat, and the impacts that humans have on wildlife;
(4) Time for students to wander through the materials of the collections on their own! (A self-guided exercise can be provided to students during this portion of the tour if the teacher desires)

After the tour, students from 6th-12th grade and parents will go into a classroom for a hands on, interactive lab called “What Bird is That?” with the scientists that work at the museum.  They will work with each other and the instructors on taxonomy, learn about how DNA and modern science has changed how birds are classified, and have the opportunity to get very hands on with some interesting specimens.

While the middle & high school students are in the lab, the younger students will be given additional time in the museum to complete a scavenger hunt, do some sketching or coloring they will have art supplies available.

Who: Everyone – only 6th grade and up will be permitted in the lab classroom.   Younger students will have an alternate activity in the museum.

Cost: $10 per student 6th grade & up, $5 per student preschool and up,  and $5 per adult.  Babies and toddlers free.