[NHCOLL-L:854] bird specimen preparation workshop

[Cutler, Scott]

> 17 January, 2000
> 
> At the next meeting of the Cooper Ornithological Society in Albuquerque,
> New Mexico, there will be a workshop on the preparation of avian
> specimens.  Below is an outline of the preparation methods that will be
> discussed.
> 
> If you would be interested in participating in this workshop by presenting
> one or more of the methods (or unique techniques not mentioned), please
> contact the coordinator of the workshop, Scott Cutler, at the Centennial
> Museum.
> 
> Call for Presenters
> 
> Workshop: Preserving Avian Specimens
> 
> Workshop Date: 21 April, 2001
> (Saturday morning, time t.b.a)
> 
> Cooper Ornithological Society Annual Meeting
> in Albuquerque, New Mexico
> Meeting dates: 18 ñ 21 April, 2001
> 
> Museum specimens are a storehouse of information documenting the natural
> world and providing material for researchers to study life's diversity and
> change through time. 
> 
> This workshop will provide attendees an opportunity to see a variety of
> ways bird specimens are preserved and the various techniques used to
> prepare them, from traditional to high tech.
> .
> Listed below are topics to be covered.  If you have others, they can be
> included.
> 
> 1.	Preparation of traditional study skins.
> 	a.	how do you prepare them
> 	b.	how do you keep the skins clean during preparation
> 	c.	how do you clean and dry dirty specimens before or after
> preparation
> 	d.	what data do you record and how is it collected
> 	e.	what techniques/procedures are employed for field
> preparation that differ from laboratory preps (skinning & salting in field
> with lab preparation of study skin, drying, preserving)
> 
> 2.	Preparation of skeletons
> 	a.	how do you prepare them
> 	b.	what do you record
> 	c.	how do you clean them
> 
> 3.	Preparation of fluid-preserved material
> 	a.	specimen preparation to enhance the fixation process
> 	b.	types of fixative used
> 	c.	labeling concerns
> 
> 4.	Other preservation techniques
> 	a.	feathers
> 	b.	wings
> 	c.	boneless skins
> 	d.	stomach contents
> 	e.	eggs
> 	f.	nests
> 	g.	external and internal parasites
> 	h.	tissue samples
> 	i.	blood samples
> 	j.	*other types of preparations*
> 
> 5.	Preparation notes/field notes
> 	a.	what method is used to keep track of specimens produced and
> their data
> 
> Each presenter will have a table at which to display their material.  I
> would like to have some people preparing study skins, along with the other
> examples of various preps.  Poster presentations of techniques would also
> be possible, but examples of the finished material should be at the table
> as well.
> 
> Each presenter will be asked to develop a handout of the techniques they
> use.  These will be put into a packet for attendees, giving them material
> for future reference.
> 
> If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in this
> workshop or if you have questions, please contact me by 2 February, 20001,
> at:
> 
		Scott Cutler
		Curator of Collections and Exhibits
		Centennial Museum
		The University of Texas at El Paso
		El Paso, TX   79968-0533

		Phone: (915) 747-6668
	FAX:   (915) 747-5411
	e-mail: scutler at utep.edu