I won't comment about the legal aspects of salvage, but if you want to know contact me (not Tim) offlist - ellen.paul [at] verizon.net

I provide this information so that if you do it, you can at least do it effectively.

To save a bird for science

If the bird is not properly preserved and the data needed by scientists is not recorded, the time and energy it takes to bring the specimen to a museum or other research institution may be wasted. These instructions will help to ensure that your donation will be useful.

On the label, write (in waterproof ink or pencil):

- Date bird you found the bird

Please write dates as date-month-year (“12 December 2004”). Please write the month in letters.

- Where the bird was found. Be as specific as possible. 

- Your name and contact information. The museums are required to obtain and maintain this information, and your name and contact information enables the museum to contact you  if more data about the specimen are required (for example, sometimes the ink runs or the writing is illegible). For permanently preserved specimens you can receive credit on the permanent museum label for obtaining the specimen. 

- Optional: Cause of injury, if known; medical reports, including lab results (especially toxicology), medications, necropsy.

The museum may be able to provide forms or labels for you.

Place each bird and its associated tag or label in a separate clear plastic bag. Using clear plastic bags is helpful when possible because then the receiving party can immediately see the specimen and determine its identity, quality, and preparation or sampling future.The bag should be closed and most of the air squeezed out to minimize freeze drying. Ziploc bags or bags that are heat sealed are best. It is helpful to place this bag in a second closed bag, particularly if the specimen is going to be stored in a freezer for some time before it is donated to the museum. For large birds, kitchen trash bags or larger trash bags are acceptable, but please be sure to close the bag tightly.

Try not to let frozen birds thaw and then re-freeze. Don't keep in the freezer for any length of time as they become hard to skin. Try to get it to a museum quickly.

Optional: If you really want to do a professional job, put a wad of absorbent cotton or tissue down the bird's throat to prevent fluids from seeping out onto the plumage, then arrange the bird in the bag so the feathers (especially the tail) aren't bent and the head, neck, wings, or legs aren't projecting at awkward angles (they are easily broken when frozen). 

Ellen Paul
Chevy Chase MD