The Gearagh in Ireland, an alluvial forest that was flooded for a dam, was a one of a kind habitat in Europe (still kinda is) that I wish got more attention internationally. The landscape would really suit documentaries because of how ghostly and 'lunar' it looks. A few great books about it though!

I'm really surprised about cormorants. Especially with flightless cormorant being on the no-mention list, now there's a flightless seabird I want to know more about than penguins!

Too slow noooooo

Had to figure this one out because of the Rakiura mention (Kākāpo brained), Mottled Petrel (Pterodroma inexpectata)?

I was gifted this by a ranger in the zoo I worked at before I went to NHM for my Masters 2 years ago as a congrats gift. Have a lot of fondness for it because of that, it was an interesting look at the history of the place I was about to join, but I completely agree with your assessment.

It is probably the best part of the temp check but there's just something special about the forward-facing chaffinch of despair.

If there was ONE thing you wish people knew about the Natural History Museum - whether it's a fact about its history, an old exhibit, just something people might have no idea about when they visit - what would it be? Alternatively, just a fact you wish everyone knew about your favourite taxa!

Might have been digging deep for some controversial thoughts lol, they're still one of my favourite birds to see! But I just think if I as being honest with myself a lot of the other kingfishers are even better. Always love seeing them in museums and parks.

I'm pretty sure I have seen pics of golden-collared manakins before tbf, but I can only hold so much knowledge in my head so when I see a bird doing something phenomenal I may have seen before my brain still goes crazy.

My more controversial (and birdy) answer that I don't know I can stand by is Eurasian kingfisher... Like, on paper many others in the same family are soooo much cooler, but I don't know if I can call it overrated when it would still make me giddy with excitement if I saw one in person again 😂

Got this message from my dad right now and it made me realise he was very influenced by this clearly 😂 Amazing how much people this is reaching, I love seeing people realise museums are active places of research!

A front view of the same seal. So emotive! 😍😂