Preserving a bird’s wing can be a fun and educational project. With the proper materials and technique, you can preserve the wing in a way that retains its shape, feathers, and color for years to come. There are a few key steps to follow when preserving a wing. First, carefully remove the wing from the bird’s body shortly after death. Next, use a dry preservation method like borax, salt, or air drying to dessicate the wing and prevent decay. Proper packaging and storage will help the preserved wing last for many years. Read on to learn more details about successfully preserving a whole bird wing.
Removing and Preparing the Wing
When removing the wing, use sharp scissors or shears to cut through the natural seam of the shoulder joint where the wing attaches to the body. Be careful not to cut or tear any feathers. Once removed, lay the wing on a flat surface and gently straighten it out to its natural position. Carefully check for any broken bones or displaced joints and reposition if needed. Remove any excess tissue, meat, or blood on the wing with tweezers and small scissors. Rinse the wing gently if needed to clean it. Pat it thoroughly dry. The wing must be fully dried before preservation.
Dry Preservation Methods
There are three main dry preservation techniques used to maintain bird wings: salt, borax, and air drying. Each has its advantages:
Salt
Covering the wing in regular table salt pulls moisture out of the tissue through osmosis. This prevents decay bacteria from growing. Bury the dried wing in a container full of salt for 1-2 weeks. The length of time depends on the size of the wing. Remove and gently brush off excess salt before storing. Salt is inexpensive and easily available. However, the wing may become brittle over time.
Borax
Coating the wing in borax powder also desiccates the tissue. Borax has insecticidal properties to further preserve the wing. Bury the wing in borax for 5-10 days until stiffened. Carefully remove excess powder before storage. Borax can damage feathers if overused.
Air Drying
Simply hanging the wing in a dry environment with good airflow will slowly dry out the tissue. Position the wing on a drying rack or board using pins. Keep it in a warm room with fans for 1-2 weeks. Rotate and flip the wing to ensure even drying. While air drying avoids chemicals, it takes longer and requires careful monitoring.
Step-by-Step Dry Preservation
Follow these detailed steps for dry preservation:
- Wash wing if needed and pat dry
- Apply borax or salt thoroughly across all surfaces
- Bury wing in a container filled with borax or salt for 1-2 weeks
- Check wing and re-coat every few days
- Remove wing once stiff and dried, gently brush off excess powder
- For air drying, mount wing on rack with pins and place in warm spot
- Air dry 1-2 weeks, rotating wing occasionally
- Check wing for complete dryness
- Store in sealed box in cool, pest-free location
Follow proper safety precautions when using borax powder. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fine dust. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling borax.
Storage and Display
Once preserved, the wing needs proper storage to last. Pack it carefully in a tight box with acid-free tissue paper to prevent breaking. Store in a cool, dark place to avoid light damage. Avoid attics or garages where temperature fluctuations can warp the wing. Bring it out occasionally to dust and check for pest damage.
To display for educational purposes, mount the preserved wing on an acid-free board or in a sealed display case out of direct light. Include labels about the bird species and wing anatomy. Rotating wings on display will help preserve them.
Preservation Problems and Troubleshooting
Issues sometimes arise when preserving bird wings. Here are solutions for common problems:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Still moist/moldy | Dry longer or re-apply preservative |
| Brittle and cracked | May be over-dried, handle carefully |
| Insect damage | Discard severely damaged wings |
| Feather loss | Normal over time, handle gently |
| Warping | Store flat in climate controlled area |
Avoid direct heat sources and chemical fumes when drying and storing. Handle with care to prevent feather loss and breaks. Catch any issues early and discard wings that become too damaged.
Choosing a Bird Wing for Preservation
When selecting a wing for preservation, look for:
– Healthy, undamaged feathers
– Freshly dead or frozen wings work best
– Moderate size for the drying method
– Bright color and interesting pattern
Waterfowl, raptors, gamebirds, and exotic species have wings with beautiful plumage worth preserving. The wing should represent the unique features of the bird species. Research your local game laws first, as some species require permits and restrictions.
Why Preserve Bird Wings?
Here are some of the main reasons bird enthusiasts practice wing preservation:
- Display the unique feather patterns of favorite bird species
- Use as educational tools to teach bird anatomy
- Make crafts, jewelry, and artwork with preserved feathers
- Practice taxidermy skills on delicate bird parts
- Preserve wings from meaningful hunts or deceased pets
- Capture the beauty of feathers that otherwise decay
- Create collections of wings from different species
With proper drying and storage methods, a well-preserved wing can last for many years as a special memento of a bird.
Laws and Ethics of Bird Wing Preservation
It’s important to preserve bird wings in an ethical manner:
– Research permits needed for collecting wild bird parts
– Only preserve wings from legal sources like hunting
– Consider donating rare wings to research museums
– Support laws protecting endangered species
In the United States, native wild bird parts like feathers and wings cannot be bought or sold without permits. However, collecting and preserving wings from legal hunting or natural deaths is typically allowed. Some museum collections can also loan out salvaged wings. Know your local and national laws before sourcing wings for preservation.
Conclusion
Preserving a whole bird wing takes careful preparation but yields a beautiful specimen for display. Remove the wing shortly after death, dry it thoroughly with borax, salt, or air drying, and store it in a sealed box in a climate-controlled area. With care and patience, you can create preserved wings to cherish and learn from for many years. From decorative crafts to biology lessons, bird wings preserved properly are a unique keepsake of nature’s delicate and complex designs.
