Ted,

> Today (25 June), while birding in the San Juan Islands, I came across a
> recently moribund Townsend's Warbler. As the specimen is in very good
> condition I did pick this one up and would like very much to pass it on to
> the Burke Museum or some other scientific agency which has a collection
> of skins or which might have some use for it. What is the best way to
> proceed?

If possible carefully stuff some tissue in between the specimen's mandibles.
Put a piece of paper in with it with date it was found, exact location (as
exact as possible), and if you know cause of death (note identification is
not necessary). Place in plastic bag and place in freezer.

> Is there a contact person at the Burke who I should get in touch with?

You can call Chris Wood at the Burke at (206) 543-1668.
If you drive into town to drop the specimen off enter through the north gate
off 45th Ave NE, tell the person at the gate you're dropping off a specimen
at the Burke and they'll give you a 30 min. pass. Go right around the Burke
to the loading dock on the west side. Talk to the person at the desk.

> Is there some other museum etc. who I should consider passing this on to?

Dr. Dennis Paulson at the University of Puget Sound Slater Museum in Tacoma
(253) 879-3798.

> Is it some sort of federal offense to have this bird in my possession? I
> seem to remember reading that it is illegal to pick these up. Anyway,
> what's done is done and I would very much like to quickly get this to the
> proper authorities.

Yes, State and Federal laws protect all indigenous and some introduced
animals. In order to protect the animals from unlawful hunting there are
blanket rules prohibiting having animals in your posession (the reasoning
goes something like: "you can't prove you didn't kill it"). The only bird
species exempt are non-natives like Rock Dove, European Starling, and House
Sparrow (funny enough Mute Swans are not included.....). Yet many
municipalities (like Seattle) have additional rules that cover these
non-natives and even released domesticated birds.

In practice though, if you don't have a trunk full of specimens of rare and
endangered species, it's unlikely you will get in trouble. If you ever do
find an endangered species and are uncertain as to how to proceed, call your
local State Fish and Wildlife Service and ask for advice BEFORE picking up
the specimen.

Hope this helps,
Martin Muller, Seattle
MartinMuller at email.msn.com