“Just got back from the beach. A bit windy, and just before high tide. Along the sandy part of the beach were a lot of sanderlings and a few turnstone. But about 150 yards north, just about where the peat begins to cover the sand, were large groups of sanderling (100+) and turnstone mixed and, further up, another large group of dunlin and turnstone feeding. Most interesting, a lot of turnstone were feeding just above the beach in the dried grass. No flags on any of the turnstone.”
- Jerry and Sharon Goldsmith, local volunteers
Join the Shorebird Listserv for regular updates during the season and throughout the year. Just send a blank email to: join-dnrec_shorebird@lists.state.de.us and you'll be signed-up!
Volunteers are integral to so many aspects of the Delaware Shorebird Project. In fact, the success of our work depends on volunteers. From forming flags and color bands, to weighing, measuring and banding birds, to “resighting” flagged birds, to cooking meals -- volunteers at every experience level help to make the field season run smoothly. We're working to train and build a local volunteer community to join us every year for exciting research opportunities! Please join us and lending a hand with this critical conservation effort. Our success depends on you!
What Do Volunteers Do?
All volunteers attend a full day of training in April and submit a letter of interest stating their experience level and goals for involvement in the program. During the field season (May 1 - June 10) volunteers are expected to give at least four days of service. For some, this means heavy involvement in our catching and banding efforts and resighting for individually marked birds. For others it may mean entering data into a computer or helping to repair or sort equipment. We also welcome talents such as public speaking, teaching or photography.
The number-one requirement is enthusiasm for natural resource conservation, the willingness to learn and the ability to work well in a group. Volunteers must also be at least 18 years of age and able to withstand heat and biting insects.
As a Volunteer, you may focus on an area of interest to you. Volunteer opportunities are broken down into three major “job descriptions,” and are based on level of experience, skill and interest.
Prepare to Monitor the Migration
If you plan on volunteering please review the following training modules to learn new concepts and techniques or to just refresh your memory.
What to Bring
Hat
Bug spray
Long sleeved, lightweight shirt/long pants (for biting insects)
Rain gear
Binoculars and/or spotting scope
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Jacket/sweatshirt
Boots and/or hip waders
Bottled water
Snacks
What we provide
During the field season, breakfast, lunch, snacks and communal dinners are available for all volunteers at our research headquarters. Limited space for relaxing, eating and sleeping is also available for those volunteering over meal times and multiple days.
What’s in it for you?
Volunteers for the Delaware Shorebird Project have the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with research scientists and professional ornithologists and volunteers from around the world. This interaction and hands-on involvement offers an exceptional opportunity for learning about shorebird conservation and gaining skills in catching, handling, measuring and banding shorebirds. DSP Volunteers also gain opportunities for resume-building, recommendations and experience for careers in the conservation science field. Volunteers are recognized in a post-field season picnic and awards ceremony.
