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All the United States California Camarillo Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology

Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology

Over one million bird-related artifacts await.

Camarillo, California

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lastpearl
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Eggs imitate art.   Samir S. Patel (Atlas Obscura User)
Starling on display.   lastpearl / Atlas Obscura User
Viewed up close, each egg is a unique entity.   Samir S. Patel (Atlas Obscura User)
Well, hello!   Samir S. Patel (Atlas Obscura User)
An aptly named “elephant bird” egg.   Samir S. Patel (Atlas Obscura User)
Like walking through a slice of sky.   Samir S. Patel (Atlas Obscura User)
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About

Nestled in an industrial area of Camarillo, California, is one of the world’s largest collections of all things avian.

Though its name suggests the study of any creature with a backbone, the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology is all about birds. Researchers study its gigantic collection of mounted specimens, nests, and eggs. And as part of its mission to promote bird knowledge and conservation, the center is also open for academics, artists, and curious civilians alike.

A walk through the foundation's collection is well worth the $5 admission, though it may be a bit eerie for some. The place is still and quiet, like a library packed with thousands of stuffed, dead birds frozen in nearly every position imaginable. Some creatures are shown preening their features, some nest beneath their wings, and some are, of course, suspended in flight. Perhaps most unnerving are the specimens that sit perched atop branches, seeming to watch with unblinking glass eyes as you learn about their still-living brethren.

Related Tags

Museums And Collections Collections Museums Birds Animals

Know Before You Go

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology can be visited by non-researchers on monthly open house days throughout the year, by appointment, or during Audubon Society meetings.

Community Contributors

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lastpearl

Edited By

Molly McBride Jacobson, matthewtaub

  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • matthewtaub

Published

August 15, 2016

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Foundation_of_Vertebrate_Zoology
  • http://www.avoidingregret.com/2014/06/photo-essay-birds-of-western-foundation.html
  • http://www.avoidingregret.com/2014/06/photo-essay-eggs-and-nests-of-bird.html
Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology
439 Calle San Pablo
Camarillo, California
United States
34.208117, -119.03937
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Camarillo

Camarillo

California

Places 2

Nearby Places

Scary Dairy

Camarillo, California

miles away

Point Mugu Missile Park

Port Hueneme, California

miles away

Pleasant Valley Historic Cemetery and Japanese historic Cemetery

Oxnard, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Camarillo

Camarillo

California

Places 2

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