endangered forest honeycreepers, in Hanawi Natural Area Reserve on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii.

RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS needed this Jan for banding efforts of Maui Parrotbill, endangered forest honeycreepers, in Hanawi Natural Area Reserve on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. These birds are rare (502+116) and listed as critically endangered by the USFWS. Primary field duties would include aiding staff with mist-netting and banding of Maui Parrotbill, 'Alauahio and other forest birds. Field duties are extremely physically challenging, working at 5,000-7,000 ft elevation, in extremely wet (annual rainfall up to 400 inches), cold, muddy and steep rainforest conditions. Desirable Qualifications: (1) Mist-netting and banding experience with passerines, primarily set-up and handling of mist nets and extracting birds and (2) hiking in steep backcountry terrain. Provided Benefits: (1) An introduction to Hawaiian forest bird conservation by trained biologists with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project; (2) Getting to work with one of the most endangered birds in the United States in an amazing pristine rainforest setting; (3) Helicopter transport in and out of the field for both banding excursions; (4) Housing at our intern and volunteer cottage during time out of the field; (5) Transport to and from the airport and into town for shopping and re-supplying for field trips; (6) All field gear required for both banding trips. Work schedule will include training on 7 & 8 Jan and 2 field trips, 11-18 Jan and 25 Jan - 1 Feb with a break in between for your own free time to explore Maui. Volunteers will provide their own food during their stay as well as transport to and from Kahului, Maui. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is asking for a $500 donation to help off-set the costs of helicopter transport and field supplies. (Donation may be subject to waiver depending upon experience). To apply please send a cover letter outlining your ornithological experience and expertise with special attention to mist netting experience to HANNA MOUNCE (EM: mounce AT hawaii.edu)