Press Releases

Something rare

Museum acquires a Wryneck.

We only expect to see half a dozen Wryneck birds in Wales a year. However in 2008, seven or eight have already been seen, one of which has been given to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales to safeguard.

A small sparrow-sized bird, this particular Wryneck was found dead by a member of the public on the outskirts of New Quay, Ceredigion, last week, and offered to National Museum Cardiff for its collections.

The Wryneck is an attractive bird, grey overall with brown and buff mottling, and a contrasting dark band running down its back.

Usually only seen in the autumn, this year has proved more popular than usual for the species, which is a member of the Woodpecker family. Due to the recent easterly winds and high pressure, at least 150 have been spotted across the UK over the last three weeks, probably reaching this country from Scandinavia.

"We're delighted to have the opportunity to add this Wryneck to our collections," said Peter Howlett, Curator of Vertebrate Zoology. "It's in beautiful condition and will make an excellent addition to the collection."

"The Museum is interested in rare species as they help us tell the story of Wales's natural environment. And our interest is not only in birds. This is also a peak time for unusual marine animals, with the sea at its warmest. So if fishermen or those near the coast spot something that isn't common to the UK, we'd be interested in hearing from them as well."

One of the Museum's most popular exhibits is the leatherback turtle, which was washed ashore on Harlech beach, Gwynedd, in September 1988. It was brought to the attention of the Museum by a member of the public and today forms an important part of the ‘Man and the Environment' gallery. National Museum Cardiff has also recently acquired an endangered swordfish which was found dead on Barry beach.

If you find a rare or unusual animal you think could be of interest to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, please contact Peter Howlett at National Museum Cardiff on (029) 2039 7951.

Admission to National Museum Cardiff is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Ends

For further information, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer on (029) 2057 3185/07920 027067 or e-mail catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.