‘CSI: Birding!’

Who we are: We are the wildlife genetics and conservation team at the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen.

What we do: we genetically identify birds from fragments of their tissues and remains. This can support the BTO Ringing Scheme and Bird Observatories in their studies of bird migration for conservation. We also participate in wildlife crime cases and identify birdstrikes on aeroplanes.

Our greatest hits: Twelve firsts for Britain or other European Countries have been confirmed in our lab. These include the Western Palearctic’s first Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, first Audubon’s Shearwater, first Short-tailed Shearwater, Britain’s first Stejneger’s Stonechat (and all the subsequent ones), first Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Eastern Grasshopper Warbler, Rough-legged Hawk, as well as many other major rarities and weirdo subspecies. We have also worked closely with museums to sort out old specimens in their collections, such as the Liberian Greenbul and the Canary Islands Oystercatcher.

Why we appreciate donations: We are happy to help out everyone who wants to send samples of birds they need to get identified, from ordinary birders, ringers, bird observatories, from Britain and abroad – and do 100s of Siberian and Iberian Chiffchaffs, Lesser Whitethroats, Subalpine Warblers, Siberian Stonechats, Isabelline Shrikes, Blyth’s Reed Warblers etc. In order to make this sustainable and allow us to make a conservation and science impact into the future, we ask that if you have benefited from our work you consider a donation to keep us going. Thank you!

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