The 2008 shorebird migration season is just around the corner - May 1 through June 10. The Delaware Shorebird Project is seeking experienced and dedicated volunteers for the 2008 field season.
Requirements:
- You should have some experience in one of the following: bird capture, handling and banding, avian surveys or data collection.
- Volunteers must be able to withstand possible long days in the field with heat and biting insects.
- You should be prepared to contribute at least four days of service to shorebird research and monitoring activities during the field season. We work 7 days a week and there is always something for volunteers to do! Knowing when people are available on specific days makes planning catching and resighting work much easier.
- One day of training, on either April 5 or April 19, is required for all volunteers. Training will be held at the St. Jones Preserve outside Dover that's part of the Delaware Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR).
Please send a letter of interest describing your experience to:
Delaware Shorebird Project
DE Division of Fish and Wildlife
4876 Hay Point Landing Rd.
Smyrna, Delaware 19977
302-653-2883
Or if emailing, send it to: Kevin Kalasz, Shorebird Project Coordinator, kevin.kalasz@state.de.us
We will again provide advanced level training as well as our basic training. It’s a great opportunity to learn why we monitor shorebirds and how we collect the much-needed data to assess the populations that stopover in Delaware Bay.
In the Field:
When you spend a day volunteering in the field, food will be provided. We have secured a house in Slaughter Beach as a base of operations and will be there starting May 5. Space is limited, so if you would like to stay overnight, please let the project coordinator know so we can accommodate you.
Field activities vary by day. One day you may assist with banding, the next doing surveys for marked birds, and the next helping with equipment and supply preparation. In any case, you will be working with a wonderful team of scientists and volunteers from across the U.S. and around the globe. It is always an enjoyable experience.
Thanks for your interest in the Shorebird Project and your willingness to volunteer!
Please stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches.
