Prepping at the Moore Lab of Zoology
The Moore Lab of Zoology at Occidental College is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts, located in Eagle Rock. Home to a remarkable collection of over 60,000 birds, the lab serves as a vital resource for research and education, showcasing the incredible diversity of avian life. The lab provides invaluable insights into the evolution of various species, with active research and collection accessions right here in LA. Whether you're an avid ornithologist or a casual birdwatcher, the Moore Lab offers a unique opportunity to connect with the fascinating world of birds and enhances our appreciation for the natural history that surrounds us.
These are the parrots we see around LA! The Moore Lab has specimens from both their native localities in Mexico and from the populations found in Southern California.
I started prep at the Moore Lab in high school, where I was first exposed to the intricate processes of biological research and specimen preparation. This experience ignited my passion for the natural sciences, leading me to pursue a degree in biology at Occidental College. During my time there, I engaged in various research projects while continuing my work in specimen preparation. After graduating, I dedicated every Tuesday afternoon to volunteering alongside others, meticulously prepping birds to enhance the collection. This blend of scientific inquiry and hands-on skill development has shaped my understanding of biology and deepened my appreciation for the natural world.
Amelia Barnard was working on a hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus).
I was working on a red-crowned amazon (Amazona viridigenalis) from the Southern California population.
Museum bird preparation and taxidermy serve distinctly different purposes, each with its own unique methodologies tailored to specific outcomes. In the realm of museum preparation, birds are prepped dry to meticulously preserve the various environmental elements they have accumulated over time, which provides invaluable data for scientific research and understanding. Tissue samples are painstakingly collected, and essential data such as locality, species, and sex are carefully documented on prep sheets that serve as records. These sheets are subsequently accessioned into a comprehensive collection database, ensuring accessibility for other researchers and enabling further studies in the field. The internal structure of museum specimens typically consists of components such as cotton and a wooden dowel, which allow the specimens to maintain a flat and organized presentation in taxonomic order. The use of cotton eyes helps to maintain the eye area's volume, yet the absence of an emphasis on realism is what fundamentally sets this method apart from traditional taxidermy.
Flame-colored tanagers (Piranga bidentata) in the collection.
They have a passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), now an extinct species, in the collection! Notice that we were inspired by their conservation story and used passenger pigeons for our logo…
In contrast, taxidermy employs a wet preparation process wherein the entire skin of the bird is cleaned through meticulous washing and rinsing procedures. The careful selection of bones is a significant part of this process, aimed at achieving artistic representation and high levels of realism. Taxidermists skillfully employ wires and sculpted bodies, in addition to glass eyes, to exert complete control over the pose of the bird. This creative approach allows skilled artists to craft lifelike representations that can be displayed not only in homes but also in galleries or exhibitions. While museum specimens prioritize the preservation of scientific data and environmental context for research purposes, taxidermy focuses on capturing the essence and natural beauty of the bird for aesthetic appreciation. Each method plays a vital role in its respective field, advancing both scientific knowledge and artistic expression, thus contributing to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
The drying board shows all of the new birds prepped for the collection, including the western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) I had just pinned to dry.
Black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) before any prep begins.
A female yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata) almost ready for the pinning board.
Woodpeckers, including this hairy woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), have elongated hyoids that wrap around the skull.
Ornithology collections play a vital role in conservation by providing valuable data on species diversity, evolution, and ecological interactions, which can inform conservation strategies and policies. These collections allow scientists to track changes in bird populations and habitats over time, offering crucial insights into environmental health and the impacts of climate change. Additionally, they serve as irreplaceable resources for research on avian behavior, genetics, and diseases, ultimately guiding efforts to protect threatened species.
Specifically, the Moore Lab stands out as an exceptional community of passionate bird enthusiasts, bringing together the most wonderful bird nerds in the world who are dedicated to advancing our understanding of avian life and promoting conservation initiatives. They truly are the greatest group of people I have met on this earth. You should check out their Instagram for fun updates and photos.
If you are visiting LA or are a local, make sure you check out their free tours and learn more about the work they do. Tell them I said hi!
