Assist with seasonal bird banding at Wellfleet Bay, spring and fall (April 15 – June 3 and September 1 – November 15). Birds are caught in mist nets, removed, measured and weighed, banded, and released unharmed. School groups and public programs visit the station. Volunteers are required to devote one or more mornings per week to helping record data and, eventually, remove birds from nets. We also record birds seen and heard during net runs.
Responsibilities:
- We start early, at dawn, which means it changes throughout the year, but generally between 5-630am and work for 6 hours.
- Volunteers must sign up for 1-2 shifts a week (2 is preferred but not required) and must be available for the whole season (but missing a week or two is fine).
Qualifications:
- Ability to walk the net loops, about 4 miles a shift.
- Manual dexterity to extract small birds from mist-nets.
- Requisite knowledge and interest in birds.
- Experience handling birds.
Requirements:
- Ability to pass CORI/SORI background check.
- Reliably respond to email communications with staff.
- Must adhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Handbook.
- Must be 18+.
Benefits:
- Volunteer ID cards are issued to volunteers who work 50 hours or more per year. The Volunteer ID card provides free admission, for yourself and immediate family, to all of Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries. It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions.
- Meet new people and share interests in nature.
- Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!
