[NHCOLL-L:10] Looking for bird specimens

[Chris J Obrien]

Hello,
I am involved in a study that requires us to target net certain species of
passerine migrants in arizona this coming spring and fall.  To facilitate
successfull netting of target species i was thinking about making rough
mounts from skins for a few species and then using song playback as well
to attract birds into mistnets.  I was also thinking about trying a small
owl as well.  So what i was wondering, is if there are any individuals out
there that have specimens of certain species sitting in freezers that they
would be willing to donate for this purpose (probably specimens with no
data that make them unable to be used for museum collections.  The species
I am looking for include American Robin, Hermit thrush, Black-headed
grosbeak, Western tanager, and Spotted Towhee.  Also some kind of predator
that would attract mobbing birds like a screech or pygmy owl.  Any
information on potential sources would also be greatly appreciated.  Thank
you very much.

Chris O'Brien
Colorado Plateau Field Station
USGS-BRD
email chris.o_brien at nau.edu