Voluntariados con aves en Costa Rica, Nicaragua y Panamá.

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS: PhD Student in need of 1-2 field
assistant(s) for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences
of avian insectivore declines in Central America between Feb-Aug 2008. I
am seeking highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant(s) to work
with me at Refugio Bartola (Nicaragua), Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve and
La Selva Biological Station (Costa Rica), and Barro Colorado Island
(Panama). I am investigating the potential roles of several alternative
mechanisms (food-limitation, microhabitat selection, and nest predation)
in the declines of rainforest understory insectivorous birds, including
ruddy-tailed flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus), golden-crowned
spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus), and several antwren species, in
rainforest reserves. The field work will be varied, including foraging
observations, some mist-netting, nest-searching and observation, and
arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work will involve habitat
structure data collection. Assistants will be responsible for helping
with all aspects of the study, including bird location and observation,
arthropod sampling (using pitfall traps, flight intercept traps, visual
observations, and sweep-netting), canopy height estimation (using a
rangefinder), taking hemispherical photographs, and general data
collection and recording. Field work is intensive, involving fairly long
days, long hikes and/or bicycle rides on often hilly and slippery
terrain with backpacks full of water and field gear. Applicants should
have significant progress towards a BS/BA (or higher degree) in Biology,
Ecology, or a related field. Previous experience with birds, arthropods,
vegetation surveys, or other field work is preferable but not necessary,
but a strong interest in fieldwork and the flexibility, durability, and
tolerance to deal with occasionally difficult conditions (heat,
humidity, biting and stinging insects, snakes, steep terrain) is
essential. Knowledge of English is essential and Spanish is helpful but
not necessary, as we will mostly be at field stations with other
English-speaking researchers; though a willingness to learn will greatly
improve your experience. The assistant must be detail-oriented and
meticulous in data collection; experience with collecting systematic
data in a scientific context is preferred. In general, applicants should
be in good physical and mental condition, and able to maintain a
positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work. In
exchange for this, applicants will obtain a variety of valuable research
skills, and will work in gorgeous locations with excellent birding
opportunities. I will be able to cover half of the station fees plus all
transportation between field sites. Thus assistants are responsible for
transportation to San Jose, Costa Rica, and half of station fees
($5-$15/night, depending on location; includes on-site lodging, food,
and access to all facilities – laundry, high-speed internet access at
all sites except Bartola). Assistants must obtain necessary vaccinations
to work at these sites: typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A are required,
anti-malarials are optional). Visas are not required for US citizens;
citizens of other countries are responsible for obtaining any necessary
visas. Ideally, I would like to find applicants who can stay the entire
6-month period. However, I will accept applicants who can commit to at
least 2 months. Exceptional applicants may be considered for shorter
periods. Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing
background, experience, available dates, and future goals), and the
names and email addresses of 3 references to: NICOLE MICHEL by email
attachment (preferred – EM: nmichel@tulane.edu) or via snail mail to
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 400 Boggs, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118. Please feel free to contact me at the above email
address for further information. Applications must be received by 1 Dec
2007.