Most of you are familiar with Academy’s collection of study skins (or other museums) I learned that skins are collected on expeditions, as in the past (Nate will discuss his expedition) Skins are also obtained during hunting season, and, for songbirds and some others, are salvaged after  suffering injury and death from window kill or vehicle collision.  All these birds can contribute to ability to study populations of birds over time, and are seen as valuable additions to the collection. Chuck suggested I might try skinning, Nate let me come to a demo, I’ve been skinning for about a year and a half; Adrian suggested you might be interested in hearing about the process, requested that I explain how skins made. What I’ll talk about – step by step process of creating study skins for addition to the scientific collection small birds – then, differences in procedures for larger birds Admittedly I am not a skilled photographer; species will change in pics, as multiple pics were taken over time and the best photo for each stage was chosen; some anatomical details are best viewed on a larger bird; Warning! Some photos graphically show internal structures; not chosen for sensationalism, but to demonstrate exactly what we do to collect data on the birds skinned.  I will not linger on them.

Data known about the collection is logged prior to skinning

Describe apteria vs pterylae

Cut made from just below the sternum (prominent, keeled) up to the furcula (fused clavicles)

Explain Bursa of Fabricius – endocrine gland on the cloacal wall involved in immune function in young birds only

Millet entirely filling stomach, espohagus and spilling out bill in White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia Albicolllis) Safflower seeds in Cardinal Ducks, usually greenish grit; one with red-brown grit Entire birds in Hawks

Challenge in small birds is to perform steps without breaking tiny fragile bones, tearing skin

Skin now free of organic tissue that would break down and cause it’s decay EXCEPT in the cranial cavity.

Abdominal opening brushed with toothbrush to cleanse excess sawdust

Remains this way for a few days to a week, then unwrapped and tag tied to specimen No preservatives! (Becouer’s recipes, etc)  Specimens are kept in cabinets that seal out insects.

Bigger birds require all the same tools but bigger; we call our pliers the “bone crushers”

(?Hybrid Mallard x Black Duck) – Anas platyrhynchos x Anas rubripes

Before getting to the head, fat must be removed

The fat wheel – a semicircular plastic splatter shield housing a circular motor-driven metal bristle-brush

After all the mess, you can wash your duck!

Admittedly, anyone who has seen a pintail in its glory in the sunlight on water will see this as pathetic!

Explain duck is “filled” in wing-pockets, down neck and body cavity filled with sawdust

Anas platyrhynchos X Anas rubripes

Pintail (Anas acuta) & Ruddy (Oxyura jamaicensis)