Bird Banding Field Course

[LdiBiccari]

Klamath Bird Observatory Bird Banding Field Course

 

Duration: 10-30 days, suggested 1 month commitment to maximize the training opportunity; dates flexible from June 1st to September 31st, 2019

Cost: $2000/10 day period; $5000/month

Project Location: Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion of southern Oregon and northern California

 

BIRD BANDING FIELD COURSE. The Klamath Bird Observatory (www.KlamathBird.org) is offering a unique opportunity to participate in our long-term landbird monitoring program in the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion of southern Oregon and northern California.

Our field course is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the life of a field ornithologist and obtain a comprehensive introduction to bird banding and other field methodologies.

KBO’s bander training program blends an intensive field internship with coursework designed in accordance with North American Banding Council (NABC) standards. A typical 10-day schedule includes five days of mist-netting and banding and one of classroom training and lecture. Training covers safe and ethical mist netting and banding of songbirds, including collecting a robust set of metrics on each individual; observational bird surveys; science interpretation for the public; and data quality-assurance, entry, and management. Opportunities may also arise to support other KBO field projects which would provide exposure to target netting, color-banding, and application of transmitters and will depend on the time of year. Instruction can be targeted to address your particular goals and interests. This opportunity is suitable for a wide variety of candidates. Do you have a passion for birds and are curious to learn about them in depth and up close? Are you looking for a unique way to give back and contribute toward conservation? Interested in pursuing a career in ornithology and need a way to gain experience in a competitive field? Have an interest in avian fieldwork but want an opportunity to shadow before committing to a field job or course of study?  Already have some experience but want to refine your skills with an intensive training program under certified banders and trainers?

Accommodation is available in a shared room in a cabin on the Upper Klamath Lake. The cabin is nestled amongst tall ponderosa pine which host striking White-headed and Pileated Woodpeckers. A short walk leads down to the willow-lined, marshy edge of the lake which is thick with warblers and full of sound: the liquid pump-er-lunk song of American Bittern, metallic trills of Red-winged Blackbirds, and the raucous calls of breeding terns. Though rustic, the cabin has potable running water, a full kitchen, internet access, and hang out space featuring a cozy woodstove. Hiking and birding opportunities abound nearby and bikes and kayaks are available for use. There will be portable toilets on site and a shower at a nearby field house. Camping will be required approximately 3 nights per 10 day training. The five research sites are situated in the old growth forests, alpine meadows, and mountain streams that make up the beautiful diversity of the Pacific Northwest.  One site requires a brief strenuous hike of about 1 mile. Operation of any banding station involves long, arduous days beginning pre-dawn under (occasionally) adverse conditions including heat, cold, mosquitoes, and smoke. However, if you enjoy fun physical work in wild places, being out in the quiet beauty of nature, and have a passion for wildlife and conservation our field course is a perfect opportunity.

 

To inquire: Contact Banding Program Coordinator Lauren diBiccari (led@klamathbird.org)