Opportunity Details | Horseshoe Farm NestWatch Program

Horseshoe Farm NestWatch Program

Are you passionate about birding and want to contribute to science? Support this international, citizen science program which collects data on nesting birds at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve for research use!

 

Duties and Impact:

Throughout nesting season, volunteers will independently visit nest boxes located in the park and record data using the NestWatch app on a provided iPad or a personal smart device. Volunteers will use identification guides to identify the species, and will make notes on nest condition, eggs laid, pests/predators, adult bird activity, and progress of the young. Regular data collection is important, so volunteers must commit to a minimum of one day per week. Ideally, each shift should begin mid-morning when temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold. This will take 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

 

Data collected through NestWatch contributes to climate research, conservation of threatened species, and understanding of bird reproduction, biology, and behavior.

 

Work Environment:

Volunteers will walk approximately 1.5 miles on trails and uneven ground to 16 nest boxes using a map to navigate. There will be restrooms available in the park. This opportunity is NOT suitable for someone with a bee sting allergy.

 

Requirements:

• Ages 18+
• Up-to-date release form
• Application
• Cleared background check
• Signed Agreement between volunteer and Raleigh Parks
• In-person training
• Weekly participation
• Volunteers must be able to identify several bird species, carry a backpack weighing 5-10 pounds, and collect data on paper or digital forms.

Submit your Service Project Application below, and someone will be in touch shortly!

 

Per department policy, this volunteer opportunity is not to be used towards court-appointed/ suggested community service hours.

Category:

Ecological Monitoring