Volunteers Needed for Ecuador Cloud Forest Bird Expedition

Become a Life Net Volunteer! Join Dr. Dusti Becker for an exciting 2-week conservation experience in the Andes of western Ecuador. Dr. Becker, a well-known tropical avian ecologist with over 15 years of experience in Ecuador, will lead the expedition with help from experienced Ecuadorian field assistants. Volunteers help collect data about birds at Las Tangaras Reserve near Mindo, Ecuador to advance scientific understanding of cloud forest avian community structure and bird species tolerances for deforestation and grazing. The volunteer contribution of $1200 to the project via non-profit conservation organization Life Net is tax deductible.

Las Tangaras is home to more than 20 species of hummingbirds and a cock-of-the-rock arena, so the ecology of these exciting birds is another focus of research and conservation. Volunteers help set up and monitor mist nets, extract birds from nets, carry birds from nets to a banding station, and record basic ecological data. Bilingual volunteers may contribute to environmental education and ecotourism training at Las Tangaras. Volunteers will have some afternoons free to explore and bird the Mindo area.

Volunteer contribution covers transportation within Ecuador, room, & meals during the project (July 20 - August 2, 2008). The expedition begins and ends in Quito. Must be over 18 years of age to participate. For further details, contact Dusti Becker: dbecker@lifenetnature.org