Did you know that turkey vultures can find their food by smell?

This might seem unsurprising given that turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) feed almost exclusively on carrion, the decaying flesh of dead animals that can be pretty smelly – even to humans – but it has long been thought that birds have almost no sense of smell. 
 
However, scientists have recently shown that turkey vultures have a well-developed sense of smell and can use it to detect freshly dead animals that are hidden from sight in forests, in old buildings, or under debris even while the vultures soar high in the air. Although their bright red, naked heads might keep them from winning a beauty pageant, the turkey vulture plays a critical role in cleaning up dead animals and keeping diseases in check.

You can see a pair of these impressive birds soaring overhead in the new Prairies Gallery, along with a wide diversity of other grassland wildlife.

Will you be watching the F1 race this weekend? Did you know that you can try racing your own race car at our race track in the Science Gallery?

Learn about the science of our race track with Adriana in this video.

#DidYouKnow that fungi are a crucial part of nature’s recycling crew? Learn more about the fabulous fungi in Dr. Diana Bizecki Robson’s favourite diorama, the Decomposer Diorama.

Find out more about the fungus among us in Dr. Bizecki-Robson’s blog, The Fungus Among Us.

Did you know about this great view of the Nonsuch from the Nautical Balcony? Learn how to get to this spot in the Nonsuch Gallery with Corinne from our Learning and Engagement team! 

Did you know that only about 5% of our museum collection is on exhibit? Find out the importance of the other 95% in this video with Dr. Randy Mooi, our Curator of Zoology.

You can learn more in Dr. Mooi’s recent blog, A Bird in the Hand.

In honour of International Transgender Day of Visibility, Collections Technician Aro van Dyck would like to share some of her favourite insects from the Natural History Collection! #TransDayOfVisibility

Silver tarnishing is unsightly to most, with its darkened appearance and iridescent shine. To a Conservator however, we see this grey layer as a protective barrier to the valuable silver-plate below, but why is that? Silver-plated objects in your home tarnish over time when exposed to sulphur gases. Sulphur can be produced in our homes from many different things, including the paint used on the walls, to the varnish on our furniture, but also from the types of food we eat such as eggs and onions. In order to make these objects sparkle again, many people use silver polish to bring back the shine; however, these creams contain very small abrasive particles. As silver is polished over and over again, the silver-plating wears away slowly and reveals a different metal below, usually copper. To minimize this irreversible damage, it is generally best to leave that beloved silver-plated tea pot tarnished until ready to serve a hot cup!

Learn more in this video with Museum Conservator Carolyn!

Learn more about conservation

Too much of a good thing! Nutrients are the building blocks of all life, but in excess they have a destructive side.

This World Water Day, learn why Lake Winnipeg is named internationally as one of the most endangered lakes in the world and what we can do about it with Mike, our Science Gallery & Planetarium Programs Supervisor.

Learn more about the importance of water in our Lake Winnipeg Shared Solutions exhibit in the Manitoba Museum Science Gallery!

Plan your visit today

Did you know that these gutskin pants are completely waterproof? Learn more in this video with Dr. Amelia Fay, Curator of Anthropology & the HBC Museum Collection.

Did you know about mother-daughter duo Edith Rogers and Margaret Konantz? They were two Manitoban political powerhouses.

Learn more in this video with Anya, our Learning & Engagement Supervisor in honour of International Womens Day!