This project is aimed at understanding how Eastern Whip-poor-wills and other birds use managed landscapes such as reclaimed surface mines and private timber harvest lands. The project uses Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs), point counts (recording all birds seen and heard at a point within a specific window of time), and habitat data to answer this question. Duties would involve getting hands-on experience in wildlife field work, including placing and collecting ARUs, conducting point counts, and taking measurements of trees and other habitat features. The undergraduate would work closely with a current graduate student for the duration of the summer, and would be trained in all aspects of the work involved.
Timeline: May 10 - August 15 2027 (or shorter periods within this range)
Opportunity Type: Unpaid, RAP
Required Skills: Must be able to hike for several hours at a time with a pack weighing 30-40 pounds. Dependable and responsible. A good attitude!
Desired Skills: Good tree and shrub identification skills for West Virginia/East Coast USA species. Good audio and visual bird identification skills for North American species. Prior experience working with birds, wildlife, or plants.
Additional Information: Must provide own transportation to/from field housing.