Finding a dead bird on campus can be sad, but its life does not have to end in vain. If you find a dead bird on campus, consider one of these two options:
1. Contact Dr. Maria Andreina Pacheco with at least one photo of the bird and a photo of the location where you found it. Dr. Pacheco or one of her student workers will collect the specimen. After that she will transport the specimen to the Drexel Academy of Natural Sciences for preservation of its skin. In return, the Academy will try to provide Maria with a tissue sample from the bird to further her research into avian hemoparasites.
2. Drop the specimen off at the Academy of Natural Sciences yourself. There is a 24-hour drop-station where you can ensure the body is put to a good “second use.” This station is located at the 19th St. entrance.
If you opt to transport the bird to the Academy yourself, please put it in a Ziploc bag labeled with the following information: the date and time you found the bird, your name, the location you found the bird (be as specific as possible), the species (if you know it), and the likely cause of death.
Additionally, please log the sighting on the iNaturalist website. See this link for more information about logging sightings on the iNat website.
If you are unable to drop off the specimen on the day that you collected it, you must place the bagged bird in a freezer until drop-off can be arranged. (Note that it is illegal to possess a dead bird unless you plan to deliver it to the Academy.)