*Please email to see if any days are currently open for Birds Banding! Banders are not guaranteed a position until they get through a training period.
Purpose
Bird Banding is one of the oldest wildlife monitoring techniques still in practice today because it provides long-term population and movement data for birds migrating across North America. For the process, large mist-nets are set-up in distinct areas. As birds fly through the area, they get caught in an ultra-fine net. This does not hurt the bird, but it certainly doesn't make them happy. After the birds are caught, they are quickly extracted from the net, fit with a unique, identifying aluminum band, measured for a variety of characteristics, and set free to continue with their birdy lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Transporting equipment to and from netting sites
- Set-up and take-down of mist nets
- Data recording and management, and bird banding.
- Potentially some educational outreach for the public!
Direct Supervisor
Maya Pendleton, Ecologist; () or 801-621-7595
Length of Appointment
Due to the level of training required, you must be able to commit to a period of at least six months.
Time Commitment
Once or twice per week, 4-5 hours each time. Set-up and take-down times vary as the season changes with an earlier start time in the summer, ~6:30, to beat the heat. These start times will happen later as the seasons and sunrise change.
Qualifications
- Must be over the age of 18
- Must pass a background check
- Must be dependable—you are working with live animals and it is important to make sure they are cared for. This requires a large amount of responsibility and dedication.
- Must be respectful to animals, staff, visitors, and other volunteers.
- Willing to get dirty and have fun!
- Previous experience working with birds is preferred!
Support
Bird Banders will receive job-specific training with their direct supervisor.
Benefits
Get to work with our winged friends
- Invitation to volunteer recognition events
- Invitation to activities just for volunteers
- Rewards for number of hours of service completed (see volunteer handbook)
- Gain new skills and work with a great team of staff and volunteers
- Make a difference and have a positive impact on the community!