16 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTORS 



fine forceps under this strip near the ear-cavity, grip, and pull out (fig. 7a). 

 Do not cut through with scissors or a hole will result. Now separate head 

 from body by cutting through neck close to skull. Place body on one side 

 for later sexing (p. 27). Continue peeling skin forwards over head to reveal 

 rear half of each eye. Break the thin membrane between the eye and edge 

 of orbit with point of forceps, and by reaching deeper behind eye break the 

 few small muscle bands. Now reach behind eye, deep into socket, and close 

 forceps on large optic nerve connecting eye to brain (fig. 7b). Pull upwards 



(a) 



Fig. 7. 



and backwards to break nerve and lift undamaged eye clear of socket; 

 leaving it still connected by thin membranes to eyelids of skin (fig. 7c). Cut 

 these membranes, taking care not to cut eyelids or puncture eye. Should 

 eye be punctured before or during skinning make sure any liquid is swabbed 

 away and not allowed to wet skin or feathers. 



Owls have a large bony ring round each eye. The rings should be removed, 

 cleaned and replaced. Alternatively the eye can be punctured and drained 

 but there is a danger that plumage may be soiled. Retaining the bony ring 

 is important to give the characteristic owl features. 



