Bluebird Monitor - South Coast

Opportunity Overview:
The Trustees is seeking local birders to help monitor bluebird nest boxes on a number of our South Coast properties. Monitoring our nest boxes is important because it provides information about the populations of bluebirds and other native cavity nesting birds on our properties and allows for the control of the non-native European House Sparrow. If left unchecked House Sparrows have the potential to take over nest boxes and chase native bird away. Cleaning and monitoring the boxes during the nesting season provides the best way to increase the bluebird populations on our grassland properties.

Reports to: Stewardship Manager

Benefits:

• Outdoor, fresh air experience in natural settings
• Helping to create a welcoming, supportive and inclusive community
• Connecting and networking with like-minded staff, visitors and volunteers

Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):

• Conduct weekly site visits from March – June to check nest boxes
• Monitor boxes for nesting activity and identify the species of bird in the box
• Control House Sparrows as needed
• Enter data into Cornell's NestWatch website
• Attend initial orientation
• Log volunteer hours

Qualifications:

• Confidence in identifying nesting birds by sight, nest, or eggs. (training provided)
• The ability to make weekly visits to their monitoring site between March and June (time and transportation)
• The ability to follow survey protocol and enter data into Cornell's NestWatch database.
• General interest in land conservation
• Familiarity with birds and birding
• Previous training
• Reliability
• Ability to perform light walking/hiking and withstand hot/humid conditions

Time Commitment Needed
At least 1-2 hours per week, 4 months minimum

For more information
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@thetrustees.org

To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
 
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
 
Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
 
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
 
Covid-19 Volunteer Safety:
The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority.

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home
• If you have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or someone displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please stay home
• For our most current Covid-19 updates, please visit our main Trustees site