11/06/2026
In this International Archives Week, we highlight snapshots of our old Bird Lover magazine from the 1940s and 1950s.
A wonderful publication that published observations and reflections on native bird populations and their needs recorded by Gould League members including bird watching clubs, schools and students.
It's an absolute treasure trove of old world citizen science.
Every year, students were selected from different schools in Melbourne to take part in a special Gould League bird count at a property in Toolern Vale. They monitored nesting sites, took photos, and drew pictures. A summary was published in the magazine detailing their discoveries.
Imagine the thrill of having your paintings published in colour for all the other readers to see. This was 50 years before social media!
These paintings were by Ian Sheers of Blackburn
Drawings by primary school students featured in every edition. Look at the incredible details in these images.
Top image: White backed Magpies by Joan Hobbs in Murrumbeena
Bottom left: Blue Wrens by Kathleen Nixon of Hawksburn
Bottom right: Scarlet Robins by June Johnston of Narre Warren East.
So beautiful to see how treasured our birds were and how many kids were committed to looking out for them.
