Winter Bird Survey at Holtwood

On February 2nd 2013, The Millersville Ornithology Class conducted a winter survey for birds at the Holtwood Preserve in Lancaster Pennsylvania.  The survey was conducted during the morning hours.  There were very brisk conditions early, but the morning ended well.

The results of this survey were shared with the Lancaster Conservancy.  A total of 26 species were identified and 256 individuals counted.  There were some nice looks at Fox sparrows, Red-breasted nuthatches and Eastern Towhees.  Also, got a nice look at a red-shouldered hawk (picture below, from New Jersey birds webpage). 

Red-shouldered Hawks

Artwork From Millersville Ornithology Class

Below are some great examples of avian artwork completed by students in the BIOL 346 Ornithology Class.  The assignment stated to pick your favorite bird, illustrate it and then label all the morphological features of the bird.  Artwork is from Veronica Votta, Rebecca McCabe, Krystal Murphy, Ken Strauser and Cydni Ticktin.  Can you identify the bird species?

Wild Pheasant Field Research

Qualifications: Eight (8) outdoor people with a background in wildlife management, biology, or natural resource management and good communication skills are needed to monitor wild pheasant populations on Pennsylvania’s Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas (WPRAs). Assessing population status of WPRAs to determine restoration success or failure is a strategy identified in the Pennsylvania Pheasant Management Plan. Biologist aides will be supervised by Pheasant Biologists in the PGC Bureau of Wildlife Management, Game Bird Section.  Click Below For More Information.

Bio-aide Wild Pheasant Research Positions 2013

Spring Semester Bird Walks

This week I started birds walks for the spring semester.  Took the Ornithology class out and identified 16 species.  Also went out to look for house sparrows.  The ornithology class will begin trapping efforts with house sparrows.  No unique birds.  However, I am still seeing a House Wren hanging around campus.  Rare for this time of year.

Apply For Internships with the Marine Science Consortium

Field Station Resident Coordinator: May 13th-August 12th, $250/week

The Marine Science Consortium (MSC), a residential environmental learning center and field station located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is seeking a person with strong organizational and leadership skills for a summer Resident Coordinator position. The Resident Coordinator supervises college resident assistants and coordinates housing for college students and faculty. The Resident Coordinator must use their creativity to develop a community atmosphere through the creation of recreational and enrichment activities for college students in residence for summer courses.  The resident coordinator must assure a safe and productive environment by enforcing MSC policies and rules.  The Resident Coordinator reports to the College Program Coordinator and is a part of MSC’s education team.    

 Marine Science Summer Camp Internships (June 9 – Aug 17), 4 positions available, $200 per week + room and boar

Camp Counselor duties – Overnight and free time supervision of camp participants;   including creating and organizing educational and recreational free time activities, getting participants to and from meals and camp events.

  • Meet and greet parents/guardians and participants on check-in and check-out days.
  • Ensure that health, happiness and safety are a top priority at all times.
  • Creating and submitting weekly nighttime/free time Activity Plans and Activity Reports.
  • Participation in camp events lead by MSC Educational Staff as needed.
  • Administering medications as needed.
  • Occasional weekend duties
  • With the assistance of the Camp Coordinator, interns will plan and lead the final summer camp of the summer, a 3-day camp for 10-12 year olds.

 Adult and Family Program Assistant (Mid-April 2012—August, 2012), 2 positions available, $250/week + room and board

  Adult and Family Program Assistants help to lead groups of all ages and teach a diverse array of topics that highlight the dynamic ecosystems of a barrier island. Program Assistants achieve valuable supervisory experience as they help to manage our high school intern and volunteer programs Program Assistants work alongside program staff to provide a diverse range of educational and scientific program experiences. Program Assistants will gain valuable and diverse knowledge regarding aquarium and field equipment use and maintenance, boat crew skills and boat safety, group leadership in laboratory and field settings, staff supervision, time management and marine husbandry.

 Applications due February 1st

Visit to the Marine Science Consortium and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

On Friday January 11, 2013, I visited the Eastern Shore of Virginia to discuss course development and service leaning.  My first stop was at the Marine Science Consortium (MSC).  I met with the friendly staff and we discussed logistics for housing students and developing student projects.  Really excited about teaching this summer at the MSC.

I also visited with the Wildlife Biologist at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to discuss projects for our students to work on.  We identified some potential service learning projects for students to work on.  It will be great to have our students help the Fish & Wildlife Service manage their natural resources.  Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a unique biological area with a great diversity of habitat types for a great diversity of wild flora and fauna as well as a public beach for recreation.

 

Main MSC Education Building

 

Chincoteague Visitor Center
Chincoteague Wild (Feral) Pony

Meeting with Pennsylvania Game Commission

On Tuesday January 8th 2013, I met with representatives from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  Very productive meeting with good insight onto what they are looking for in regards to employees.  Also, I was trying to line up more opportunities for our students to work with the Commission as volunteers to gain valuable field experience in conservation work.   

Conservation Happenings at Millersville University