Nature Travel Specialists

Central America Wildlife Volunteer & Research Travel

Costa Rica

INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIRD MONITORING IN COSTA RICA -- We have openings for Volunteer Bird Banding Interns at a bird monitoring station in the coastal Caribbean town of Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Positions are available throughout the year with the minimum length of stay around 2 months. Participants are expected to have experience in identifying birds, and they usually have removed from mist nets and processed at least 200 landbirds. The Primary Bander will have extensive experience operating a capture station and can be awarded up to half their airfare to and from San José, Costa Rica. Latin American Volunteers are especially encouraged and may be eligible for other reimbursements. All volunteers receive their room and board while they are staying at the well-appointed station of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, Estacion Biologica, in Tortuguero cccturtle.org/ccc-costarica.htm. We and our collaborators in Costa Rica have been operating five monitoring stations near the village for over a decade. We operate mist nets for resident and migrant species and conduct migration censuses of the millions of diurnal migrants moving along the coast. For more information see www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/birdmon/landbird/tortuguero/ Positions will be open until filled. Please send (email preferred) a resume highlighting your bird banding experience, ability with Spanish, dates available, three references and any questions to PABLO A. HERRERA (EM: paherrera AT fs.fed.us), and Dr. C. John Ralph, (EM: cjr2 AT humboldt.edu, PH: 707 825-2994 FX: 707 825-2901), U.S. Forest Service, Redwood Sciences Laboratory, 1700 Bayview Drive, Arcata, California 95521.

INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIRD MONITORING IN COSTA RICA -- We have openings for Volunteer Bird Banding Interns at a bird monitoring station in the coastal Caribbean town of Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Positions are available throughout the year with the minimum length of stay around 2 months. Participants are expected to have experience in identifying birds, and they usually have removed from mist nets and processed at least 200 landbirds. The Primary Bander will have extensive experience operating a capture station and can be awarded up to half their airfare to and from San José, Costa Rica. Latin American Volunteers are especially encouraged and may be eligible for other reimbursements. All volunteers receive their room and board while they are staying at the well-appointed station of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, Estacion Biologica, in Tortuguero (URL:
http://cccturtle.org/ccc-costarica.htm). We and our collaborators in Costa Rica have been operating five monitoring stations near the village for over a decade. We operate mist nets for resident and migrant species and conduct migration censuses of the millions of diurnal migrants moving along the coast. For more information see http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/birdmon/landbird/tortuguero/
Positions will be open until filled. Please send (emailed text documents preferred) a resume and a cover letter that includes your bird banding experience, ability with Spanish/English, dates available, three references and any questions to PABLO A. HERRERA, (EM: paherrera AT fs.fed.us), and DR. C. JOHN RALPH, (EM: cjr2 AT humboldt.edu, PH: 707 825-2994, FX: 707 825-2901), U.S. Forest Service, Redwood Sciences Laboratory, 1700 Bayview Drive, Arcata, California 95521.

Costa Rica & Nicaragua

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS: PhD Student in need of 1-2 field
assistant(s) for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences
of avian insectivore declines in Central America between Apr-Oct 2008. I
am seeking highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant(s) to work
with me at Refugio Bartola (Nicaragua), Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve
(Costa Rica) and La Selva Biological Station (Costa Rica). I am
investigating the potential roles of several alternative mechanisms (in
2008 I will be focusing on food-limitation and microhabitat selection)
in the declines of rainforest understory insectivorous birds, including
ruddy-tailed flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus), golden-crowned
spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus), and several antwren species, in
rainforest reserves. I am also investigating the community-wide
consequences of the loss of avian insectivores for herbivorous
arthropods and plants. The field work will be varied, including foraging
observations, some mist-netting, nest-searching and observation, and
arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work will involve habitat
structure data collection and daily monitoring of bird and bat
exclosures. Assistants will be responsible for helping with all aspects
of the study, including bird location and observation, arthropod
sampling (using pitfall traps, flight intercept traps, visual
observations, and sweep-netting), canopy height estimation (using a
rangefinder), taking hemispherical photographs, establishing, checking
and maintaining exclosures, and general data collection and recording.
Field work is intensive, involving fairly long days, long hikes and/or
bicycle rides on often hilly and slippery terrain with backpacks full of
water and field gear. Applicants should have significant progress
towards a BS/BA (or higher degree) in Biology, Ecology, or a related
field. Previous experience with birds, arthropods, vegetation surveys,
or other field work is preferable but not necessary, but a strong
interest in fieldwork and the flexibility, durability, and tolerance to
deal with occasionally difficult conditions (heat, humidity, biting and
stinging insects, snakes, steep terrain) is essential. Knowledge of
English is essential and Spanish is helpful but not necessary, as we
will mostly be at field stations with other English-speaking
researchers; though a willingness to learn will greatly improve your
experience. The assistant must be detail-oriented and meticulous in data
collection; experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific
context is preferred. In general, applicants should be in good physical
and mental condition, and able to maintain a positive and humorous
attitude towards challenging and tiring work. In exchange for this,
applicants will obtain a variety of valuable research skills, and will
work in gorgeous locations with excellent birding opportunities. At this
point, I can only commit to covering half of the station fees plus all
transportation between field sites. I have applied for grants, and if I
receive sufficient funds I may be able to cover more, but I will not
know until Mar, at the earliest. Thus assistants are responsible for
transportation to San Jose, Costa Rica, and half of station fees
($5-$15/night, depending on location; includes on-site lodging, food,
and access to all facilities – laundry, high-speed internet access at
all sites except Bartola). Assistants must obtain necessary vaccinations
to work at these sites: typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A are required,
anti-malarials are optional). Visas are not required for US citizens;
citizens of other countries are responsible for obtaining any necessary
visas. Ideally, I would like one assistant for the Costa Rica portion of
the study (Apr 1 - early Jul) and another for the Nicaragua portion
(mid-Jul – early Oct). However, I will accept applicants who can commit
to at least 2 months. Exceptional applicants may be considered for
shorter periods. Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing
background, experience, available dates, and future goals), and the
names and email addresses of 3 references to: NICOLE MICHEL by email
attachment to [EM: nmichel AT tulane.edu (preferred)] or via snail mail
to Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 400 Boggs, Tulane
University, New Orleans, LA 70118. Please feel free to contact me at the
above email address for further information. Applications will be
reviewed and applicants contacted as they are received.

Jamaica

PHD CANDIDATES NEEDED (2) for an NSF supported project conducting research on the interacting effects of density dependence and climate on wintering Neotropical migrant birds in Jamaica. Students will be enrolled at Tulane University and co-advised by Drs. Tom Sherry and Peter Marra. Interested applicants should contact Tom Sherry (EM:
tsherry AT tulane.edu) and Pete Marra (EM: marrap AT si.edu) immediately. Competitive applicants will have strong letters of support, and good quantitative and ornithological field skills. Experience in netting, banding and re-sighting small active color-banded birds is particularly desirable. Start date Fall semester 2008.

Belize

ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON VOLUNTEER–Agency: The Peregrine Fund Location: Belize. Job Description: The Peregrine Fund is a non-profit organization working to conserve birds of prey and their habitats worldwide. Successful applicants will be provided with the unique opportunity to monitor one Orange-breasted Falcon nest in Belize. This position will require working long, challenging hours. The short time in which the study can be completed and the remote location preclude "time off." Applicants receiving positions will participate in a unique Orange-breasted Falcon study. The Peregrine Fund will provide the successful applicant with one spotting scope and one tripod that must be returned once the study concludes. Qualifications: 1. Biologist or biology student with basic Neotropical flora and fauna knowledge; 2. Knowledge in raptor biology and ecology desirable; 3. Willingness to live and work in remote, rugged areas with snakes, biting insects, etc.; 4. Be in good health and be capable of walking long distances in extreme weather conditions (heat, humidity, and rain); 5. Fluency in written and spoken English; 6. Understanding of and commitment to The Peregrine Fund's mission and approach to raptor conservation. Specific Responsibilities: 1. Monitor an Orange-breasted falcon nest from the time eggs are laid to when chicks fledge (about two months); 2. Give maintenance to a remote camera system installed close to the nest (change batteries, download data from digital video recorder, etc.); 3. Communicate with Raptor Release Coordinator and local partners on a regular basis; 4. Attendants must be able to read color-coded bands through a spotting scope; 5. Keep detailed field notes of the falcons' behavior, movement patterns, interactions with other species, etc. Compensation: 1. A small stipend towards food will be provided; 2. Appropriate recognition in scientific papers and personal references; 3. Volunteer is expected to cover his/her travel and lodging costs, as well as to pay all his/her medical costs. Proof of medical insurance in effect during the time period of the releases will be required; 4. Great field experience and the unique opportunity to work in pristine Neotropical rainforest and reintroduce a rare raptor species into the wild. Send cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of three references, as well as availability to: Raptor Release Coordinator, The Peregrine Fund/ Fondo Peregrino, PTY 3150, 10000NW 25th St Unit #1, Miami, FL 33172; Or by E-mail (EM: fpp AT fondoperegrino.org). The Peregrine Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please no telephone calls.

Mexico

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the Thick-billed and Maroon-fronted Parrots Research project in northern Mexico. The Environmental Ecosystem Management Program (PMSE) from ITESM Campus Monterrey looks for volunteers for 2008 field season with the project: Ecology and conservation of Thick-billed and Maroon-fronted parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha & R. terrisi)”. Thick-billed parrot spends its reproductive season in the Sierra Madre Occidental pine forests, located above 2000m from the sea level in the Mexican States of Chihuahua and Durango. Its diet is based on pine seeds and nests in old trees or “snags”.
Maroon-fronted parrot inhabits the highest parts of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Nuevo Leon, Coahuila and Tamaulipas States, some of these places are considered as the most spectaculars in Mexico. It also feeds on pine seeds, acorns and occasionally nectar form Agave flowers. In contrast with Thick-billed Parrots, Maroon-fronted nest on cavities and crevices in high limestone cliffs. Both species are very social, it is possible to find them in flocks or in pairs. The main problems these parrots face are forest destruction due to logging activities, fires or agriculture and occasionally poaching for the pet trade. We are looking for collaboration to carry out nesting monitoring during the 2008 field season from mid Jul to early Nov. The main activities are: FOR THICK-BILLED PARROT: Nest-trees and reproductive behavior monitoring. The research is carried out using climbing techniques to access directly the nests or through the use of probes. We register the cavities and egg’s measures. After the eggs hatch we periodically register the chick’s development. Information is written in field forms. Volunteers won’t climb trees, they will help with flock counting, chick measuring and new nest finding. FOR MAROON-FRONTED PARROTS: Nest cliff monitoring and reproductive behavior observation. These activities are carried out through the registration of the cavities usage by the reproductive pairs. Each cavity is marked with a unique code in color pictures of the nesting cliffs. Information is registered on field forms. Volunteers will help on monitoring a cliff per day; usually this is done by one person during 8 hours continuous. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Natural Sciences, Veterinary or Biology students, people interested in conservation, especially birds or interested in learning more on conservation projects in Mexico. ACCOMMODATION AND REQUIREMENTS During field trips volunteers will use project facilities; will stay at local people houses or camping. Participants must be disciplined, responsible, patient, and the ability to get along with different people in remote places, as well as to carry out field work with little supervision, patience enough to monitor continuously up to seven hours and willing to work daily up to ten hours, resistant to adverse climate conditions, such as intense cold or hot, hail or rain. Also people will have to be on shape in order to walk through difficult trails at altitudes up to 2000m above the sea level. Spanish spoken is preferable or at least with few knowledge on the language and committed to stay in the project at least during one month. TRAVEL IN: Volunteers will pay their travel expenses to Monterrey or Chihuahua, Mexico, depending on the project Food and travel expenses during the field trips is covered by the project. TO APPLY it is necessary to send a brief resume, 3 professional references (including
e-mail) and an intention letter addressed to (EM: Rene Valdes ravp AT itesm.mx). Application deadline: 30 May 2008. More information (URL: http://uninet.mty.itesm.mx/1_8_1_1.htm)

AVIAN FIELD ASSISTANTS (4) for banding project in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico are needed from 1 Sep to 1 Dec 2008. The objective of the project is to assess the impact of the coastal development in the avian community in the beautiful Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Technicians will learn how to extract birds from mist nets, the protocol to band them, conduct transects; measure vegetation characteristics; enter data; and perform other field activities that might be necessary. An ability to identify birds by sight and sound and previous banding or mist netting experience is preferred. Applicants must be MEXICANS, physically fit and capable of working long hours in very hot and humid weather, with all kinds of bugs, work well in teams, live in very hard and rustic conditions. Pay is $500 per month; very rustic housing with 2 other technicians will be provided. Please send a cover letter highlighting your related field experience, a resume, your earliest starting date, and contact information of three references to:
ANA RAYMUNDO at the University of Tennessee (EM: araymund AT utk.edu).

Puerto Rico

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT NEEDED in Puerto Rico (1-2) One or two
volunteers needed from 1 Oct 2007 through 15 Nov 2008 to assist with
ongoing research on breeding biology, behavior, and genetic relatedness
of communally-nesting SMOOTH-BILLED ANIS near Boqueròn, Puerto Rico.
Duties: Primarily resighting color-bands, censusing and nest-searching,
but also mist-netting and radio-tracking. Qualifications: Most
importantly, applicants must be self-motivated and able to make careful
observations in the field. Previous experience with resighting
color-banded birds will be preferred, but is not required if you are a
quick learner. Assistants must provide their own airfare to San Juan,
Puerto Rico; however, travel within Puerto Rico, food and basic shared
accommodations will be provided. To apply please send cover letter,
resume and contact info of 3 references who are familiar with your field
skills (name, email, phone) to ANNIKA SAMUELSEN at McMaster University
(EM: a.samuelsen AT gmail DOT com). Applications will be accepted until
positions are filled.

Bahamas

FIELD ASSISTANT. We seek two avian field assistants experienced in field ornithology techniques to assist the Kirtland's Warbler Research and Training Project on Eleuthera, Bahamas from 1 Oct 2008 to 30 Aprl 2009.
Duties include mist netting and banding birds, observing color-banded birds, using radio telemetry to follow radio-tagged birds, monitoring fruit abundance, measuring habitat characteristics, data entry, mentoring undergraduate Bahamian students, and providing support for the Field Director. Must be able to identify birds by sight and sound.
Extensive experience mist netting and banding birds and ability to resight colorbanded birds are essential and experience with radio telemetry useful. Housing (shared with participants), salary, and airfare to the Bahamas provided. Valid passport required if not a Bahamian citizen. Ability to work long hot days in thorny, buggy, dense vegetation. Must be able to work well and live in a small diverse group from which it is difficult to escape. Good sense of humor. Expect a 10 day on one day off work schedule. This is a cooperative project involving the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, The Bahamas National Trust, and Puerto Rico Conservation Foundation. Applications (cover letter, resume, names, addresses and e-mail addresses of 3
references) due by 20 Jul 2008. Send application via e-mail to DR.
JENNIFER D. WHITE (EM: jend.white AT gmail.com) with documents attached as a Word file.

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