Sterling Forest Bird Study Volunteer Positions

Wanted. Two volunteer, experienced bird watchers to help conduct spot mapping of breeding bird distribution on two census quadrats in Sterling Forest State Park. Census plots have been established with five rows of five posts each 100 m apart. Censusing requires rugged, cross-country walking; low standing water, dense shrubs and rocky hills with biting insects, snakes and the possibility of lime disease. At least eight days of work (once a week from ~ 10 May to ~ 30 June) required, otherwise the time to familiarize an observer with the transect lines is greater than the savings. Census counts initiate at 5:00 AM and finish by 10:00, after census takers become familiar with the transect lines so that they do not get lost. Field census data must be transcribed on the day of the census onto clean record sheets.

These counts are part of the effort to assess the breeding bird distribution around habitat used by golden-winged warblers. Both census areas include a central area of shrubland with breeding golden-wings and surrounding forested land. The Indian Hill site supported 13 species of breeding warblers last year plus a brief visit by a Kentucky warbler. The other site is near Blue Lake and includes equally extensive diversity. Observers may stay the night before in a nearby cabin and reasonable transport costs will be reimbursed.

Interested volunteers who would like to be considered for this should contact John Confer at confer@ithaca.edu and be able to provide evidence of experience, strong appreciation for data accuracy and a commitment of time to this rugged experience

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