A dead Leach's Petrel was picked up at Healey Dell NR by a ranger on 11th (photograph on www.wildlifeofrochdale.co.uk. Unfortunately this corpse was discarded and is unretrievable. A study of storm-wrecked Leach's is being carried out nationally(DNA etc), and this bird could have added to this study, so it's a great shame it was lost.

Another corpse found at Crosby by the Stockport BS was sent off correctly.

In general, corpses of all raptors and other predatory birds (eg Kingfisher) are welcomed by the Centre for Hydrology & Ecology (formerly the Institute for Terrestrial Ecology) for analysis of harmful residues. If you find one in good condition, please contact me or Ian McKerchar on details of where to send it. Initially, put it in the freezer! In addition, corpses of rarer birds suitable for mounting are often welcomed by our local museums ("rare" in this case meaning most things other than common garden birds). Then there are special studies like this. Apart from DNA, it's now possible to gain information about where birds bred from mineral residues in the bones and feathers.

If you want to have the bird mounted, the taxidermist will be able to remove the "innards" and preserve them for any study.