Volunteer

navbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbarnavbar


Volunteer Application Form

If you are interested in volunteering at Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory, please read the contents of this page. If you decide to apply, fill out the application form below and click the "Submit Application" button at the bottom of this page. We'll be in touch!
Please note that, while some of the questions below may feel a bit daunting to some, a lack
volunteer
of birding or banding experience will not qualify or disqualify you as a volunteer at BPBO. We value your interest in us and will use the information to try and balance our volunteer strength throughout the season. Note also, that the information you submit is kept confidential and will not be shared with other organizations. Please include any observations on the form itself in the "comments" section near the bottom.

Volunteering At BPBO
The Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory invites applications from prospective volunteers who are interested in, and capable of, assisting in migration monitoring activities at the Cabot Head Research Station. Applications from persons with varied skill levels and experience are encouraged. The Spring monitoring period ranges from early April to mid June and the Fall monitoring period begins in mid-August and runs to the end of October. Our Station Scientist is fluently bilingual (French/English).

What To Expect On A Typical Day
Volunteers will assist in all aspects of work performed at the Station, including, but not restricted to, the opening mist nets half-an-hour before dawn, the checking of mist nets at regular intervals, the careful extraction of captured birds from the nets and the transport of these birds to the banding laboratory. In the banding lab, the bander (usually the Station Scientist), attaches a band to a leg of every bird caught, determines species, sex, age, fat content, etc.; during this time a “scriber” volunteer carefully records pertinent data according to strict protocols. Nets close after 6 consecutive hours.

As part of the monitoring process, a one-hour, fixed-route census is led by a skilled birder approximately one hour after sunrise. This census aims to record all species and numbers detected by either sight or sound. During the banding periods, volunteers and the Station Scientist also do casual observation of bird migration. Not only it is great fun to watch migrants and look for new species, it also helps having a more refined picture of migration that banding alone could provide.

After 7 hours of monitoring, a rapid gathering of data is done with all personnel. The rest of the day (most of the afternoon) is “free time”: to relax, nap, read, explore the magnificent Bruce Peninsula, work on projects, and participate in the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.

As a rule, rainy or extremely windy weather precludes any mist-netting activities.

Long-term Volunteershappy volunteer
Long-term volunteers undertake to spend 21 or more consecutive days at the station. A per diem rate of $8.00 (to go towards food costs) is applied.

Short-term Volunteers
Short-term volunteers spend less than 21 consecutive days at the research station, and no stipend is provided.

What To Bring
Sufficient food & supplies (nearest store is at Miller Lake (15km); Lion’s Head (30km); Tobermory (30km).
Bedding
Sleeping bag, pillow, personal hygiene products, etc.
Rain gear
Warm clothing
Good hiking boots
Binoculars
Writing materials
Flashlight
Camera (optional)
Sunscreen/bug repellent and sundry personal belongings

Accommodation
Wingfield Cottage offers rustic but comfortable lodging with two bedrooms and two pull-out couches. There are cooking facilities and a lounge. A working fireplace takes the chill off early morning forays to the nets. There will normally be two or three volunteers present at any given time, plus the Station Scientist.

*Note: the Cabot Head Research Station is located within a remote, unique area of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We encourage environmental responsibility and stewardship, therefore, the use of bio-safe personal hygiene products is strongly encouraged, if not expected.

Hazards
As in any remote location, there are inherent risks you should be aware of. Poison ivy abounds, and the Cabot Head area is home to the black bear and massasauga rattlesnake.

The Application Form
 First name: 
Initial:
 Last Name: 
 Mailing Address: 
 City/Town: 
 Province/State: 
 Country: 
 PC/Zip: 
 Area Code: 
Phone:
 Email Address: 
 Education: 
 How many years
have you been birding? 

 When would you like to volunteer at BPBO?

Ist Choice from:    to:

2nd Choice from:    to:

Please (to the best of your ability) estimate your bird identification skills:
I would be able to identify by sight and sound, the following percentage of all of the species of birds which routinely occur in eastern Canada.
 

(please check one only)
< 25%    26-50%    51-75%     >75%



Ornithological experience: (describe any relevant volunteer or employment experience)

Do you have any banding or bird handling experience? If so, please describe:

Do you have experience living and working in rustic and remote field conditions with other people? Yes   No

Do you have any experience with spreadsheet and/or database programs (Excel, Band Manager, etc.) and or data entry? Yes   No

Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes   No

Do you expect to be bringing an automobile? Yes   No

 
 Do you have any medical conditions or allergies we should be aware of? If so, please describe:


Emergency Contact Person:
Emergency Contact Phone:
 

How did you hear about volunteering at BPBO?


 If you have any further comments or questions you may submit them here:

Thank you for applying to volunteer at the Cabot Head Research Station/Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory!



Home | About Us | Join Us | Volunteer Opportunities | Calendar/Events | Grebe Lodge
Our Projects | Our Publications | Links | Partners | Gallery | Contact Us

Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory