1. Collecting Birdstrike Remains For Species Identification
Guidelines For
Collecting Birdstrike Remains
For Species Identification
(* This .pptx has suggested notes with each slide. They can be printed as “note pages” for instructors or printed hard copies. The suggestions in this presentation are meant to be general guidelines for collecting birdstrike remains for species identification by the Smithsonian (SI) Feather ID Lab. *)
Identification of bird species involved in birdstrikes is an important part of the overall assessment and management of this complex issue.
Knowing the species involved in a birdstrike provides guidance to the size, behavior, and ecology of the bird involved.
Additionally, documenting wildlife strike species is essential in providing baseline data needed to assess trends, focus prevention efforts, and interpret investigation dynamics.
- In an effort to increase the accuracy and efficiency of identifying the bird species from birdstrike remains, the following guidelines and recommendations are presented.

2. Whole or Partial Carcass - Feathers
Pluck the best variety of feathers available
Breast, back, wing, tail
include any feathers with color or pattern
If have only a small amount of material,
send all feathers available
Do not cut feathers, plucked feathers usually have down and tissue attached for lab analysis
Photos and field IDs are welcome, but do NOT replace sending feather material
Deciding how to collect birdstrike remains depends on what type of material is available
If an intact or partial carcass is available, pluck the best variety of feathers available
~ Include feathers from breast, back, wing & tail if possible
~ Include any feathers with obvious coloring or pattern
~ If only have a small amount of material, send all feathers available
~ Place all material in clean, re-sealable plastic bag for shipment
Do not cut off feathers
~ Plucked feathers usually have fluffy down for microscopic exam and tissue for lab analysis
- Photos of carcass/remains and field IDs are welcome, but do NOT replace sending in feather material for identification

3. Blood & Tissue (“Snarge”)
Collect ALL remains available
Use clean collecting supplies
Keep remains as dry as possible
Scrape off any dry samples
Wipe material off with alcohol
- do not use bleach, water
or other cleansers
- include all feathers
FTA® DNA collecting cards
If there is only blood, tissue and/or small feather fragments, it is recommended to send ALL material available, start with clean collecting wipes and keep samples as dry as possible.
While there is no “one” correct way to collect blood/tissue, the following are the best guidelines:
Scrape dry material off with something clean
A good option for collecting blood & tissue samples is to wipe the material off with alcohol
~ Ethanol is best; 70% Isopropyl Alcohol is acceptable;
If there is any question regarding alcohol on aircraft skin – use clean dry cloth to collect remains
~ Pre-packed alcohol wipes work well - or spray area w/ alcohol and wipe off with a clean paper towel
~ Do not use water, bleach or other cleansers – they are not beneficial for preserving DNA
~ Place wipe in clean, re-sealable plastic bag for shipment
If there are feathers available in the remains, be sure to include them with any blood/tissue samples
FTA® DNA collecting cards are another good option for collecting blood/tissue

4. FTA® DNA collecting cards
Use sterile applicator to wipe off material
Press applicator to card to transfer material
Allow card and applicator to dry before sealing in bag
Include applicator and any available feathers with the card
FTA® DNA cards are another option for collecting fresh blood and tissue. These cards have fixing chemicals in the paper that preserves DNA. Ordering information is available from SI Feather ID Lab.
To use the card:
Using the sterile applicator, wipe the material off of the surface
Press the applicator w/ material onto the circle of the card with moderate pressure, gently rocking applicator back and forth to transfer blood/tissue to the card
Let the card air dry, then place in clean re-sealable plastic bag for shipment
Include the applicator and any available feather material
If material is dry, card may be used to scrape area

5. Secure all material in re-sealable plastic bag
Shipping
REGULAR SHIPMENT
(US Postal Service)
Smithsonian Institution
Feather Identification Lab
E-600, MRC 116
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC  
OVERNIGHT SHIPMENT
(FED EX, UPS, DHL, etc.)
Smithsonian Institution
Feather Identification Lab
E-600, MRC 116
10th & Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC
Include AFSAS, WESS, or FAA report
Secure all material in re-sealable plastic bag
* SHIPMENT FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S *
Any material from foreign countries must be treated prior to shipment and include the following documents:
1. Certificate of Origin
2. Certificate of Treatment
3. USDA APHIS permit for SI
For all shipping, please be sure material is secure in re-sealable plastic bags
Be sure to include the appropriate report for your organization; include report number and contact information; Secure all material in a re-sealable plastic bag
Label contents as “safety investigation material”
Note there are 2 shipping addresses: one for US Postal Service and one for overnight shipping companies. Overnight shipping is recommended for any damaging or priority cases
* Any material being sent from outside the United States needs to be treated before shipping and needs 3 additional documents available on BASH websites or from SI Feather ID Lab
1 – Certificate of Origin
2 – Certificate of Treatment: this document notes the accepted treatment methods, most people soak the
material in alcohol
3 – USDA APHIS permit for the Smithsonian

6. Do’s & Don’ts Do’s Don’t’s Collect best variety of material available
Pluck feathers
Use alcohol or FTA® cards to collect snarge
Send dried samples
Use online reporting
Include report number and contact information
Practice good hygiene at all times
Always follow the safety or BASH protocols for your organization
Don’t’s
Don’t send single feathers if more material is available
Don’t send carcasses or smelly samples unless frozen and shipped in a cooler overnight
Don’t cut feathers or use tape
Don’t use water, bleach or other cleansers to collect snarge
Don’t send remains without incident report or contact information
DO’S
Collect a variety of material - do not send a single feather or small blood swipe if more material is available…many times the lab uses multiple types of material to reach an identification.
Do not send an intact whole carcass without shipped frozen and overnight shipping. This prevents whole carcass material decomposing during shipment.
- Pluck feathers, do not cut feathers off or use tape to collect feather material…the lab may need the feather down at the base of the feather.
- Use alcohol wipes or FTA® DNA collecting cards for snarge samples, do not use water, bleach, or other cleansers. Alcohol helps preserve DNA while water enhances mold growth and other cleansers destroy DNA.
- Include copy of report, report number and contact information with material; do not send remains with no identifying information. The Lab enters identification results into online reports or s ID results to noted points of contact.
- Always practice good hygiene including the use of latex gloves, eye/face protection, wash hands frequently; be familiar with carcass disposal and safety guidance for your agency/organization.

7. Contact Information
Feather Identification Lab
Websites
USAF
afsafety.af.mil/sef/bash/sefw_home.shtml
US Navy
safetycenter.navy.mil/aviation/operations/bash
Civil
All personnel are welcome to contact the Feather ID Lab with any questions about protocols or identification results.
Guidance is also available on BASH websites
(** This presentation was revised January Any revisions to the content will be posted on BASH websites or are available from the SI Feather Lab **)