Volunteer field assistants required – radio-tracking the red-billed choughs

Jess, chough field assistant, radio-tracking at Sorel. Photo by Liz CorryBackground

Birds On The Edge needs your help. We will be releasing the small group of young choughs to the north coast of Jersey very soon now. This is a trial release and each of the birds will be radio-tracked and monitored closely for a period of six months (see our monthly reports here).

The position

Choughs in the Sorel aviary. Liz Corry. April 2013 We require the support of keen volunteers to work alongside our Field Manager to carry out this radio-tracking and monitoring. So, we are looking for people who are able to commit to up to six months starting in early August 2013 and ending no later than 31st January 2013, although the end date depends a little on the birds themselves.

Volunteer activities will be focused around intensively tracking and, if necessary, searching for released choughs and recording basic behavioural data in the field. Training will be given in radio-tracking, habitat assessment and understanding chough behaviour.  Volunteers will also be responsible for entering some of the data collected into the field database.

Le Don Paton. Photo by Mick DrydenRequirements

Applicants will need to:

  • Have a background in biological sciences
  • Be happy to work outdoors and have some previous birdwatching experience
  • Have flexibility, commitment and determination to work, under sometimes uncomfortable or frustrating conditions, combined with good physical fitness
  • Provide careful attention to data recording
  • Be able to commit 18 hours per week for 6 months
  • Be resident in Jersey
  • Have transport within Jersey, personal equipment and insurance but the project will assist with money for petrol used if the birds need following.

This is the ideal opportunity for someone looking for practical conservation experience working with this very exciting re-introduction project for such a highly charismatic bird.

If you wish to apply, please contact volunteer@durrell.org

Closing date for applications: Friday 19th July 2013