Behavioural ecology of Australian birds

Background

We are seeking volunteer field assistants to join us from mid August 2024 to mid January 2025 for our ninth season on a long-term project investigating the evolution of cooperative breeding, brood parasite–host interactions between cuckoos and their passerine hosts, and the causes and consequences of sexual signals at a field site on the shores of Lake Samsonvale, on the outskirts of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. This collaborative study is led by Drs. Jordan Boersma (jordanboersma.com), James Kennerley (jameskennerley.weebly.com), and Mike Webster (birds.cornell.edu/home/staff/mike-webster/) of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Dr. William Feeney of Doñana Biological Station (williamefeeney.com). 

This year we will continue to collect long-term monitoring data on several species of host (Red-backed, Variegated and Superb Fairywrens) and cuckoos (principally Horsfield’s Bronze and Brush Cuckoos), colour-band individuals and collect blood samples, and find and monitor nests. 

The primary responsibility of these positions are to search for and monitor nests of Red-backed, Variegated and Superb Fairywrens. Additional responsibilities include conducting behavioural observations, territory mapping, habitat surveys as well as data entry. There will also be ample opportunity to participate in mist-netting and the colour-banding of birds, as well as collection of blood samples. Furthermore, we encourage volunteers to become involved in the research wherever possible; see Feeney et al. (2018), Kennerley et al (2019), Poje et al. (2019), Richardson et al. (2019), Kessler et al. (2024), Resendiz et al. (2024) for examples of studies which were led by and/or heavily involved previous volunteers on the project.

A typical day in the field will begin at dawn and continue into the early afternoon. This is followed by data entry in the afternoon and an opportunity to relax (or explore!). We typically work 6 days a week in the field. 

By the middle of the season, temperatures average in the mid-30’s Celsius (mid-90’s Fahrenheit) and can exceed 40°C (104°F) under an intense sun. Venomous snakes and ticks are also in abundance. Thus, suitable applicants will enjoy long, often hot and challenging days hiking through dense vegetation closely following and observing birds, whilst keeping neat and organised field notes.

The field site boasts a fantastic range of birds (eBird lists it as one of the top hotspots for bird diversity in Australia, https://ebird.org/australia/hotspot/L692632), amazing herpetofauna, and iconic species such as Koala and Short-beaked Echidna. Furthermore, the site is in close proximity to rainforests, beaches and the city of Brisbane, all of which can be explored on rest days which is typically one day per week, but sometimes we venture farther afield and camp for a couple of nights (see the Instagram for photos of what we get up to: @samsonvalebirdproject). We also work closely with the Queensland Bird Banding and Research Group so there are opportunities to join in with their activities as well. 

Accommodation is provided in a large house and the cost of food and local transportation are covered by the project, but we are not able to cover flights to and from Brisbane. These positions are an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain valuable field skills and join a highly collaborative research group.

Applicants will be interviewed and places offered as applications are received. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified after positions are filled.

Skills and experience

It is essential that applicants have a strong interest in birds and/or biology, are self-motivated, are meticulous at keeping detailed and legible notes and are comfortable living closely and cooperatively with others, with a positive attitude, flexibility and a good sense of humour.

Applicants with previous experience nest searching are highly desired, and experience birding, conducting bird surveys or banding are a plus.

To apply

Please send your cover letter detailing your interests and any previous experience as well as dates of availability, CV, and contact details for two referees to Jordan Boersma and James Kennerley (email: samsonvalebirdproject [at] gmail.com). Applicants are also encouraged to include a link to their eBird profile and/or examples of field notes in their application.

Please feel free to make informal enquiries with any questions pertinent to the application process or regarding the position or project.