Common Loon Field Internship

Loon Project requires 1-2 research interns to assist in a long-term investigation of territoriality, habitat selection, human impacts, and population dynamics of common loons in northern Wisconsin. Applicants should be available for all or most of period 15 May – 10 August 2023. If funding allows, 1-2 research interns may also be needed for a second study population we are building in north-central Minnesota. In both states, responsibilities will include identification of marked loons from colored leg bands, observation of territorial and nesting behavior, recording and playback of loon calls, measurement of individual tameness with laser rangefinders, constructive interaction with lake-dwelling humans, and nocturnal capture and marking of adult loons and chicks. Successful applicants must: 1) have own car, 2) be physically fit and able to swim well, 3) have a love of outdoor conditions (including wind, rain, and insects!), 4) have good color vision (to record colored leg bands effectively), 5) be able to live and work with others or alone, 6) be able to communicate effectively to peers, the public, and the principle investigator, and 7) have a commitment to doing high-quality scientific work. Experience with bird identification, canoes, and motorboats helpful but not essential. Housing, gas costs on site, and stipend of $1500 per month provided. E-mail resume and list of 3+ references ASAP to: Dr. Walter Piper, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866  wpiper@chapman.edu. (Write "Loon Internship - [your last name]" as the subject line for your e-mail.) For more info, see web page at: https://loonproject.org/.