Dr. Susan Haig

USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

3200 SW Jefferson Way

Corvallis, OR 97331

Phone: 541-750-7482; FAX: 541-758-8806; Email: Susan_Haig@usgs.gov

**[RCW GENETIC SAMPLE COLLECTION]{.underline}**

Thanks for offering to help collect tissue samples for our RCW genetics
project. Detailed below is a brief outline of how to store and mail
samples. We will send you everything needed to ship samples and will be
happy to pay for shipping. Samples in vials with buffer can be sent via
regular U.S. mail; [no ice]{.underline}. If you have problems or
questions, please call me (Susan Haig; see \# above) or my lab manager,
Tom Mullins (541-750-7389, tom_mullins@usgs.gov).

[Eggs and Embryos]{.underline}

Embryos from abandoned/inviable (i.e., unhatched at time of nestling
banding) eggs can be a great source of DNA. The easiest way to deal with
eggs would be for you to crack open each egg and carefully look for an
embryo. Place the embryo in the vial with buffer. If there is no embryo,
it will not be of use to us, so please do not send the yolk or shells.

NOTE: collecting inviable eggs requires a USFWS permit. Although some of
you have this option on your existing permit, if you do not, and wish to
contribute eggs to this genetic research project, will have to amend
your permit. Contact the RCW Recovery Coordinator for details;
ralph_costa \@fws.gov or 864 656-2432.

[Muscle Tissue]{.underline}

Heart, pectoralis (breast), or any other muscle tissue, can be very
helpful in genetic analyses, regardless of how old the carcass is. Cut
the heart or pectoralis out of the body with a clean (sterile if
possible---we can provide) scissors or scalpel. Place the entire heart
or pectoralis (or a 1-2 cm ^3^ piece) in the buffer vial and label
accordingly (see below). See directions below for storing and shipping.

[Other Body Parts]{.underline}

We can use almost anything to conduct our analyses, including bones,
organs, etc. Just place it in a vial with buffer as above.

[Feathers]{.underline}

Feathers can also be a handy source of DNA and are preferable to blood
in mtDNA analyses.

Keep feathers as clean as possible to reduce contamination- be
especially careful not to touch the base (quill) with your hands.

Keep feathers in cool dry place until mailing to us.

[Labeling Vials]{.underline}

**Please be sure each vial or plastic bag is labeled. Include the
following on each label:**

RCW

USGS or USFWS band \#

Sex

Location = Property ID code from USFWS Annual Report (see Letter of
Disposition for details).

Additionally, fill out all information in the Letter of Disposition.

[Sample Storage]{.underline}

Store all body parts (except feathers) in the freezer. Feathers can be
stored in a plastic bag in a cool dry place.

[Shipping Samples]{.underline}

*Shipping all body parts (except feathers - see below):*

We will supply you with vials containing a buffer solution. Samples can
be kept in these vials at room temperature for short periods of time (a
week or so) but should be mailed via USPS (regular mail) w/o ice (or
they can be frozen and mailed on dry ice) as soon as you receive the
vial(s) and prepare it for shipping. **DO NOT REFRIGERATE SAMPLES** once
they are in the buffer solution or they will come out of solution.

*Shipping feathers:*

Place feathers from each bird in its own, single plastic bag and label
(piece of paper in the bag) as instructed above under "Labeling Vials".
The bag can then be mailed, via USPS, in any appropriate-sized envelope.

**Thanks again for your help-your sample will be a great contribution to
the project and RCW recovery.**