Chongqing - A loud "thud" echoed as a beautifully blue bird collided with the glass window of the Chongqing Natural Museum. Museum staff rushed out to find the bird lifeless. What would happen next?

The bird, identified as a "red-billed blue magpie," with its stunning blue and purple plumage, had met an untimely demise. Museum experts decided to give it a second life, not in the wild, but as a specimen in the museum.

The red-billed blue magpie was picked up by Chongqing Nature Museum staff. (Photo/Chongqing Nature Museum)

Why did this happen to such a vibrant bird under the bright sunshine? According to Chongqing Natural Museum Director Gao Bichun, the glass reflects and refracts the surrounding natural environment during the evening or night, confusing the birds during flight. This confusion can lead to fatal collisions.

Studies show that bird collisions with glass rank second in bird deaths related to human activities, second only to predation by stray cats.

To raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, the museum showcased the unique process of turning this unfortunate incident into an educational opportunity.

Red-billed blue magpie. (Photo/Chongqing Nature Museum)

On December 9th, the Chongqing Natural Museum partially opened its doors to the public, revealing the specimen-making process for the first time in its 90-year history.

The public was invited to witness specific stages of the specimen-making, excluding the dissection and cleaning steps, which might discomfort viewers. Children and families were allowed to observe and learn during the artificial body-making, installation, stitching, eye placement, and fur grooming processes.

The audience observes the taxidermist at work on specimen creation. (Photo/Chongqing Nature Museum)

The specimen-making began by understanding the bird's physical characteristics. The final steps involved filling the bird's body with cotton and adjusting its posture on a branch-shaped frame.

The intricate process of giving the bird a second life fascinated onlookers, especially children, who exclaimed, "The bird looks alive again!"

Gao Bichun said the goal was to bring people closer to understanding birds, encouraging a different perspective on nature and life. The public demonstration also sought to promote bird conservation measures, inspiring children to become advocates for ecological and wildlife protection.