Since 2008, Audubon South Carolina has been running Project PROTHO, a citizen-science program focusing on the Prothonotary Warbler. This enigmatic, cavity-nesting warbler of eastern wetlands is a species of high conservation concern in the United States. This project seeks to engage the public through research and education at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest, one of two Audubon centers in the state. The Francis Beidler Forest is home to the largest remaining stand of virgin, cypress-tupelo swamp left in the world.
Through their work with the Prothonotary Warbler Working Group, staff members at this sanctuary have been monitoring a population of Prothonotary Warblers breeding in this old-growth swamp. The Project PROTHO intern will help with monitoring efforts for the 2018 breeding season.
This intern will be supervised by the Director of Bird Conservation & Engagement for Audubon South Carolina. This position will begin April 17th and run through June 30th.
- Help staff with the daily monitoring of Prothonotary Warblers (PROW) along the Beidler Forest boardwalk
- Monitor return rates, nesting sites, nesting attempts, nestling provisioning, and reproductive success of individuals/pairs along boardwalk
- Determine territories for unbanded individuals that can be captured
- Assist staff with PROW banding throughout the spring and summer
- Advise bander on locations of unbanded individuals
- Assist with capture and data collection
- Help move/carry equipment
- Conduct PROW density estimates on boardwalk and canoe trail
- Follow instructions from Prothonotary Warbler Field Protocol 2016 document
- Monitor nest boxes
- Check boxes before breeding season to evaluate condition, apply wasp repellent
- Monitor during breeding season to determine occupancy, reproductive success
- Provide outreach/education associated with Beidler Forest and Project PROTHO to students and general public
- Provide interpretive education to Beidler Forest visitors
- Help with boardwalk tours for K-12 and college students
- Assist with three weeks of summer camp
- Encourage visitors to fill out brochures and engage them on why it’s important
- Data entry from boardwalk work and Project PROTHO brochures
- Use Arc GIS and Google Earth to highlight PROW territories and nests
- Contribute data from Beidler Forest to PROW Working Group
- Must be willing to work outside under physically demanding conditions (hot, humid, biting insects)
- Excellent interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills
- Familiarity with Arc GIS and Google Earth