With the interest in bird watching at an all-time high, folks are looking for ways to extend the experience.

Taxidermy specimens can provide another opportunity to appreciate birds. Museums have used the art of taxidermy for centuries to ensure the availability of birds for further study.

Scientists often compare fresh specimens to "study skins" to confirm species identity and look for variations.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife regularly uses taxidermy specimens in its education programs, said Cris Tomlinson, the agency's supervising wildlife diversity biologist.

On March 8, the department is sponsoring a Bird Taxidermy Demonstration and Workshop at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 North Las Vegas Boulevard, near Cashman Field.

Award-winning bird taxidermist Ted Cassidy will demonstrate his techniques for skinning and mounting birds. The demonstration will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will serve as one installment in the museum's Junior Science series.

A casual atmosphere will allow visitors to drop in on the event, and children will be able to do a mock taxidermy activity - no supplies are required.

Participants may want to visit the museum's many dioramas where they will see both live and mounted animals. A modest fee of $8 per adult and $4 per child gets you into the museum and the event.

This event is jointly sponsored by the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and Nevada Department of Wildlife. For more information on the March 8 event, call the museum at 1-702-384-3466.