the specimens in the bird section are preserved as “study skins” and not (usually) as taxidermy specimens.  the bones and organs are removed (except for the skeletal structure of the legs and wings).  the wings are kept folded, the  body cavity and head are stuffed with cotton and then the specimens are allowed to dry. it was out of control to see all those beautiful specimens lined up on trays.  some people joked “i want them all!”  i don’t know what it is about the translucent color, the old fashioned patterns.  i ended up drawing an extinct flicker (relative of the wood pecker).

unfortunately i didn’t get a picture of the ostrich skeleton kalina was drawing.