Trivia: Bird Eggs - Science or Art? Bird eggs have been viewed for hundreds of years as objects of beauty. In the Middle Ages, eggs were strung together and hung in decorative displays. In the 18th century eggs were prized collector pieces displayed by nature-loving Victorians. Ostrich eggs were particularly popular because their shells could be carved revealing different colored layers. In Russia the Jewler Fabergé lined the inside of goose eggs with silk and mounted them on jeweled stands. Today, millions of people decorate eggs to celebrate Easter. Naturalists started studying eggs in the 19th century. Today, only one third of the worlds approximately 10,000 bird species have ever been found or described. By studying eggs, scientists have been able to uncover facinating clues about bird species and evolution. It is the study of birds' eggs that proved the bad effects of pesticides like DDT had reached crisis levels. Today, eggs are still the subject of art and scientific study; however, those engaged in study are more likely to work with a notebook and camera than a collecting bag. Many counties have laws prohibiting the collection of wild eggs or disturbing nesting birds, especially threatened or endangered species. If you are interested in bird eggs look for books on this topic in your local birding store, library or book store. - Birds' Eggs by Michael Walters
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