WHAT?
Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex is seeking two
(2) observers to assist with a grassland breeding bird study.
WHY?
Species use and productivity of refuge grasslands will be used to develop
management plans for the Refuge.
WHERE?
Eastern Virginia Rivers NWR Complex is located in Warsaw, Virginia.
WHO?
Qualified observers used in this study must be capable of identifying
all land-birds in the survey area by both sight and sound. Accurate identification
of vocalizations is essential, since many individuals will be detected
only by sound during the breeding season. Additionally, observers need
to be able to hear high frequencies in order to detect high-pitched calls,
such as grasshopper sparrows. Only qualified observers are used; any departures
from using qualified observers will seriously compromise the data set.
WHEN?
Training is mandatory for the surveys and will occur at the Refuge for
one day - likely June 1, 2004. Surveyors will be compensated for
this training session. Surveyors will also be introduced to the survey
fields/points during this session. Surveys will take place during the
week of June 2, and will consist of 3 survey mornings. The surveys must
take place during good weather, so bad weather days will be scratched,
and surveys will resume the very next good weather day. We believe this
is the peak breeding period for the refuge. We may also attempt a second
3-day survey, possibly during the week of June 14. Vegetation surveys
to determine grassland plant structure and composition will also be conducted,
by refuge and contractual personnel. Observers must be committed to working
at least three (3), consecutive, 8-hr. days during the week of June 2,
2004.- hour week during survey bouts. Extension of survey period is possible
through July 16.
HOW?
Observers will be using specific point count protocol set by the refuge
for bird surveys, with a two week period separating surveys. Data will
be collected between 6:00AM and 10:00AM, using a 0-5 minute observation
period at each survey point. Nest surveys and monitoring will be made
to determine grassland bird nest success. This will involve long periods
of stationary observations from a point during early morning hours.
HOW MUCH?
The refuge will pay $120/day, plus meals and travel expenses, to each
observer committed to the project.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Contact : Sandy Spencer, Wildlife Biologist
Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex
P.O. Box 1030
336 Wilna Road
Warsaw, VA 22572-1030
(804)-333-1470
E-mail: [email protected]
Application Deadline: May 7 , 2004
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