The Nicoya Peninsula Avian Research Station (NPARS) is seeking banding technician interns for a winter project in northwestern Costa Rica. The research is aimed at studying winter populations of nearctic-neotropical migrants, age-specific molt patterns in Costa Rican resident bird species, and ecological and competitive interactions among hummingbirds. Winter participants will aid in the operation of bird banding sites on the Nicoya Peninsula. These positions are opportunities for students, educators, amateur or professional ornithologists, and nature enthusiasts to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the Americas, participate in a tropical bird banding operation, and contribute to an international effort to study declining migratory songbirds.
NPARS has a number of banding sites situated on the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Habitats within the banding sites include coastal mangrove forest, second-growth humid forest, and mature humid forest. Commonly occurring species within these habitats include migrants such as Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, and Tennessee Warbler, and residents such as Mangrove Vireo, Black-headed Trogon, Long-tailed Manakin, twelve species of hummingbirds, a variety of woodcreeper species, and many others.
Interns may also assist in a pilot research program aimed at better understanding the habitat requirements of coastal mangrove specialist species. This project will involve traveling to mangrove estuaries and will employ various remote sensing and surveying methods.
Regular banding sites are operated from 6:00am – 12:00pm for three consecutive days each week. Responsibilities during banding days will include station setup and takedown (including mist nets), extraction of captured birds from mist nets, handling and banding of captured birds, collection of relevant measurements and data, and other responsibilities associated with banding station operation. Some non-banding days will involve data computerization, equipment organization and maintenance, and laundering bird holding bags, in addition to duties related to general living space functionality. During non-banding days we will have the opportunity to travel to visit nearby towns, preserves, and beaches, including renowned birding hotspots such as Monteverde and Carara National Park.
The group will be based at Finca Pura Vida, a 6-hectare villa near the town of Cobano. Painted Buntings, Long-tailed Manakins, Summer Tanagers, Turquoise-browed Motmots, and many other species are commonly seen on the grounds. A hummingbird banding operation is conducted on the Finca; ten hummingbird species are regularly banded here, including Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Participants will have the opportunity to assist in banding a variety of hummingbird species.
Dates & Costs:
The approximately 5-week internship begins on or about December 15, 2017 and ends on or about January 21, 2018. Precise dates are TBD.
Costs associated with food, housing, ground transportation, and park entrance fees will be funded by NPARS. However, these grants DO NOT cover the cost of airfare. Interns must purchase their own international flights. Once in Costa Rica, all travel expenses will be covered by NPARS.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a strong interest in birds and nature, and preferably be experienced in identifying birds in the field. Mist-netting and banding experience is desired, but not required. Applicants should be prepared for early mornings and long days, and should have the ability to work both as part of a tight-knit team and independently, as well as being prepared to travel within Costa Rica and work flexible hours in field.
To Apply:
E-mail a resume (cover letter optional) to Sean Graesser (gourmetbiologist@gmail.com) by November 1, 2017. Please describe any previous field experience, educational background, and current contact information.