Want to learn how to band birds in Peru?? I just got this notice for volunteers in my inbox today: FALL 2009 BIRD-BANDING WORKSHOP in the Peruvian Amazon
There are still some spaces available (26 Sep - 8 Oct 2009) for ten days of bird surveying and bird-banding to document the avifauna of a private reserve on the Tambopata River, Madre de Dios Peru.
The workshop will include training in bird survey and capture techniques (ground and canopy mist nets and bal-chatri traps). It will also offer a rare opportunity to examine plumage variation by species, age and sex up-close on rainforest birds in the hand. Birds will be individually marked for long-term monitoring and research.
Work in different habitat types around the reserve and will leave plenty of time for birding and independent explorations of the surroundings. A field trip to the nearby Lago Sandoval is also included. The workshop will take place at the Centro de Education, Ciencia y Conservacion Tambopata (CECCOT), a young conservation, education and research center dedicated to promote the knowledge and conservation of the region’s natural history with a minimal human footprint. The center is rustic with thatch-covered cabins, a large and comfortable common area, shared cabins, composting toilets and cold water camping showers, limited solar-powered electricity available. Requirements: serious interest in birds, research and conservation (although previous experience not required) and willingness to stay in very rustic/shared conditions in the rainforest. Good mobility, yellow fever shot, immunizations and your own travel insurance.
Cost: US$2200 includes: Roundtrip air-fare to Lima (either from Los Angeles or Miami), in-country transportation and airport taxes, lodging and meals, field trip costs, materials and instructional fees. Group size 9-14. For detailed information and to determine availability contact DANIEL FROEHLICH before 21 Jul 2009: (EM: dan AT ceccot.org, PH: 206-595-2305) or URSULA VALDEZ (EM: uvaldez AT ceccot.org, PH: 206-219-9924).