When the bird arrives, it is assigned a unique reference number. An acknowledgement letter is sent, thanking the person who sent in the carcass. If private postage was used, the postal costs are refunded in the form of stamps.
All birds received undergo a post mortem examination. During the post mortem examination we record over 100 observations; many of which help us to establish the probable cause of death and to confirm the species, age and sex of the bird. These observations are recorded on a post mortem report, a copy of which is forwarded to the person who sent in the bird.
Once the post mortem analysis is complete, samples of liver, kidney, muscle, brain and fat are stored in glass jars in the tissue archive. Recently, we've also started to retain samples of bone and feather for the archive.
A selection of liver samples (that span the calendar year) are sent to the chemistry laboratories to measure the concentrations of contaminants. All samples are analysed at the same time as this ensures that there isn't any bias in the monitoring scheme.
The data from the chemistry laboratories is then compiled into scientific reports, to determine whether the concentrations of the chemical are decreasing. A report is also sent back to the sender, informing them of the cause of death, and any chemical residues present.
This site was developed by the Biological Records Centre, CEH © 2006
