TWO GALAPAGOS RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS are needed for assistance with a PhD project studying the mating system of the Galápagos Mockingbirds, Espanola Island. Fieldwork extends from Jan to May, 2005. It involves color-banding birds, finding and observing nests, recording social interactions and behaviors of territorial birds. It is expected that the volunteers will have strong work ethics, experience working under rough and isolated conditions, observing bird behavior, identifying color-marked individuals, and interest in behavioral ecology and evolution. Maturity, self-motivation, an out-going personality, and experience working with international teams composed of researchers of diverse backgrounds are also important. Spanish is a plus but not essential. International volunteers are responsible for paying their own travel to and from the Galápagos. The fieldwork requires camping at a single location in the south-eastern tip of Espanola Island, Punta Cevallos. All general camping gear, except for personal items and binoculars will be provided. Logistic support while at the field is provided by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The reward of providing research assistance at the famed Galápagos Archipelago is not only working in a breathtakingly beautiful site but also the privilege of working up-close with Galapagos avifauna. Please address your application to ILONKA VON LIPPKE, University of California, Los Angeles, not later than 1 Nov 2004 by e-mail (EM: ilonka@...); including the following information: 1) A cover letter stating your interest and skills; 2) A resume, including your e-mail address; 3) Your understanding of the conditions and cost; 4) Three references (including phone numbers, e-mail addresses and association).

ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR THE STUDY OF SATIN BOWERBIRDS–Volunteer field assistants are needed for the study of mate choice in satin bowerbirds (Ptilonorhyncus violaceus). Assistants will primarily help to observe behavior at bowers. The study site is in Northern New South Wales, Australia. This is the continuation of a study of mate choice that began over 20 years ago and which follows the success of male bower holders. The field season will run from mid-September through late December. Assistants must arrange for travel to the field site; we will provide food and lodging at the site. Tasks assistants will perform include locating bower sites and clearing trails, monitoring the behavior of birds at bowers with infrared sensing equipment and camcorders as well as by direct observation. The work is very physically demanding and assistants must be focused on this project and flexible in their requirements. Interested applicants should send (preferably electronically) cover letter, resume, and e-mail addresses of three references to: J-F SAVARD (EM: jsavard@...), Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-4415 (PH: 301-405-6943, FX: 301-314-9358)

There are four positions available. They involve bird trapping, color-banding, radio-tracking, population censusing, and field observations. Two of the positions will run from early Sep 2004 to late Feb 2005, and the other two will be of shorter duration from early Sep 2004 to late Nov 2004. Preference will be given to people who can stay for at least 2 months. For all positions there is a 2 week probation period. The stipend for each position is $1100 per month (Aussie dollars). We will provide transport between Mornington and Broome at the start and end of the work period (provided you stay for 2 months). Accommodation is a basic, but comfortable bush camp with tents and a camp kitchen. The following qualities and experience are essential: mist netting and bird banding skills (or the ability to rapidly acquire); excellent bird observation skills; the desire to work in remote locations often in difficult conditions (extreme heat and wet); the ability to work independently and in a group under the direction of the Managers of Research and Conservation, and; a good sense of humor and initiative. Please send your CV to Sarah.Legge@.... Include the contact details of two referees.

REFUGE INTERNS are needed now through the end of the fall season (flexible starting dates) at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Santa Ana NWR is located in extreme south Texas on the border with Mexico in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, approximately 1 hour from Brownsville/South Padre Island. Santa Ana NWR and other associated Refuges in the South Texas Refuge Complex protect subtropical flora and fauna, including 4 species of wild cats, 300+ species of butterflies and 400+ species of birds. Duties will focus on: control of invasive and exotic plants; wetland and forest management; butterfly garden installation and maintenance; native plant propagation; assisting with visitor services; maintenance of Refuge trails, facilities and vehicles; and data entry. Interns receive up $12/ work day and free housing and laundry on the Refuge. Personal transportation is desirable, but transportation to town for groceries, etc. can be arranged for those who lack their own means of travel. Sorry, but we can only accept applications from U.S. citizens. Please contact TY BENALLY (PH: 956-784-7542 , EM: ty_benally@...).

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS needed for an applied ecological study of rainforest regeneration in Ecuador’s coastal Reserva Ecológica Mache-Chindul. (3-4) Positions in our research team are open from early Sep 2004 through Apr 2005. This 70,000-hectare reserve is the largest remaining tract of Chocó forest in Ecuador and possesses a truly spectacular range of diversity in both flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. We will experimentally determine the ecological factors that pose the greatest obstacles to the transition from secondary to primary forest in order to modify current reforestation practices to work synergistically with natural regeneration processes. The ultimate goal of this work is to provide a framework for the slated implementation of wildlife corridors among the 3 remaining large tracts of Chocó forest through reforestation, thus increasing the long-term ecological sustainability of this unique area. Fieldwork will include seed trap collections in primary and secondary forest, seed identification, seed additions to experimental plots, maintenance of seed traps and experimental plots, seed predator experiments, creation of seed and seedling vouchers, and vegetation transects. We will live at a very remote field station (Bilsa Biological Station; a 13 km hike through knee-deep mud from the last road to civilization) and share "rustic" accommodations (bunk beds, mosquito nets, no electricity, and one heck of a beautiful shower spot) with other researchers and international reforestation volunteers. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition as the terrain is muddy and steep and our days will be long. We will work 20 consecutive days each month with 10-day breaks for mental sanity. Prior field experience in the tropics, knowledge of plant identification, and Spanish skills are a plus, while the ability to work as a team player, lunatic determination, and a sense of humor are fundamental. I will cover field station expenses and provide necessary field equipment, but volunteers must pay for their own transportation to and from Quito plus living expenses while not working (~10 days/month). I ask for a minimum commitment of 4 months from field assistants, however, opportunities to work for shorter periods may also be possible for assistants that can pay their own station fees ($10/day). This is an ideal opportunity for individuals that want to make a tangible contribution to conservation while gaining tropical field experience. To apply, please send a brief letter of interest, CV, and the contact information for 3 references to AMY ROGERS (EM: arogers@...).