The Volunteers!
And a few others who also helped...

Firstly, a big, hearty thank you! to all the people who have helped out over the years. I wish I could have paid all of you, but instead, I hope I've been able to give you a really neat experience. Again, thanks.

This list is alphabetically arranged. If you're name isn't on this list, please send me a gentle reminder!
 

If my research interests you, email me and let me know. Perhaps we can get our schedules to coincide and you can join me on a trip.

You must be healthy. You don't have to be an athlete, but you must have the endurance for the hiking, with a loaded backpack. Don't try to deceive me...I've been stuck in the backcountry with someone who just shouldn't have been there...the whole group suffers. Canoeing experience is an asset. Backpacking (not car camping) experience is useful, for backpacking trips. Understanding how to read a map and use a compass is essential. Knowing first aid is important. Being a team player is important...you shouldn't have to wait for instructions...if you don't know what to do, I expect you to ask. Everyone will participate in cooking and doing dishes, even me.

Tree climbing will be necessary, not all the trees are easy to climb. We use a ladder to get up some of them. I will not force anyone to climb a tree.

You must have a passion for life, not just your own, but that of the chickadee, the horse fly and the balsam fir.

Useful characteristics of a volunteer include: knowledge of map/compass, GPS, first aid, backpacking, camp craft. You must be able to work with a team effectively - this means cooperation, helpfulness and selflessness are assets; you must be willing to follow reasonable instructions. Sound ok? Email me!

What to Bring?

Compass, knife, matches, food, spare clothing, sleeping bag and pad, water, whistle, #2 (Red) Robertson screwdriver, hiking boots, rubber boots, rain gear, a positive attitude

Optional: camera, binos, gps, topo map of the area (I have copies), FRS radio

My research trips are not recreational trips (though we always manage to enjoy ourselves). I am the leader and have the final say on these trips. I am not a dictator, I often lead by consensus, but my research, and the welfare of the birds is at stake. If you decide to volunteer for a trip, it is with the understanding that you will be working on this project, and the project is led by me. If you want to email some of my previous volunteers about my research trips and how I treat my volunteers, click on their names in the list above. As a leader I understand that people volunteer with me for a variety of reasons. I hope that I can help you fulfill your goals, and I will not be insisting that anyone to do a job that they find risky or uncomfortable. I want you to have a good time and take with you a great experience.

Note about my DATA: My Data is not for public dissemination by anyone but me. That is, if we find a nesting Solitary Sandpiper, you can tell whomever you want (sandpipers are not a part of my research). If we find a Boreal Owl (individual or a nest), that is my data and I reserve the exclusive right to disseminate that information to whomever I want, and when I want. It is also forbidden for volunteers to reveal the locations of any of my nest boxes to anyone, whether the boxes are used or not.

R.F. Lauff Department of Biology St. Francis Xavier University Antigonish, NS Canada B2G 2W5