Subject: [Tweeters] Those dead birds
Date: Dec 2 13:48:14 2006
From: Kelly Cassidy - lostriver at completebbs.com


Let's not be so west-cascades-centric. If you find a bird in good shape
east of the Cascades and can find a way to get it to WSU, our museum is also
interested. We have an enormous backlog (because we are focusing on
computerizing the collection right now), but can always find room in the
freezer for uncommon birds or birds found outside major cities.

Ideally, when you find a specimen record AS SOON AS YOU FIND IT SO YOU WON'T
FORGET!!! the collector name, the location (GPS coordinates are okay, but an
added written description helps guard against mistakes in transcription),
county, state, and date. Put bird in a plastic bag, preferably a zip-lock
freezer bag. I like to wrap them in a paper towel to absorb blood and other
fluids. Put first bag plus collection note in a second bag. Double bagging
helps prevent dehydration and the collection information won't get dirty.
Avoid multiple animals in the same bag. We take tissue samples and prefer
not to have cross-contamination of body fluids.

As Dennis notes, we are swamped with species prone to window kill in cities
and road kill everywhere: sharpies, waxwings in winter (both kinds in
Pullman), varied thrushes, robins, house finches, and juncos.

Kelly Cassidy