We went to an exhibit titled “Objects of Wonder: From the Collections of the National Museum of Natural History,” an interesting display of items that examines how scientists use the Smithsonian collections to enlighten and illuminate our understanding of nature and human culture. I took a few pictures, but most of it was more appropriate for viewing and reading about than photographing.

These fantastical looking birds are shoebills, which I believe were acquired as part of the East African expedition accompanied by former US President Teddy Roosevelt. According to the sign: “Living in papyrus swamps in tropical East Africa, these marsh birds stand as still as statues…then they strike! Their large, powerful beaks snap up frogs, lungfish and even young crocodiles.”

'Objects of Wonder': Dazzling Diversity, posted earlier: