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Have you
thought of joining the staff of Britain’s most famous Bird Observatory as a
supported volunteer? A limited number of grants are given to young people to
work with other ornithologists at Fair Isle Bird Observatory.
The John Harrison Memorial Fund
provides
financial assistance to young ornithlogists between the ages of 16 and 24 to
enable them to visit Fair Isle and take part in the daily work schedule of the
Bird Observatory. This opportunity has launched the careers of many budding
ornithologists, and several have later become staff of Fair Isle Bird
Observatory itself. It was established in 1968 by the late Richard Richardson in
memory of John Harrison of Hunstanton, Norfolk, who visited the island three
times before he died at the very early age of nineteen.
Grants cover the cost of travel
(so long as it is by the most economic means) from home to the Observatory and
back. Full travel costs may only be given for visits of two weeks or longer.
While at the Observatory, awardees pay just £10 per day towards the cost of food
and accommodation. Successful applicants are responsible for arranging their
travel.
Awardees take part in the
routine work conducted by the ornithological staff. The type of work varies
depending on the time of year, so you are advised to contact the Warden if you
have a particular interest such as ringing or migration studies, so that you can
arrange your visit at the most appropriate time. Preference will be given to
applicants wanting to come between April and July, which h incidentally are
great times for spring migrants and breeding seabirds. Daily duties can involve
on average two hours of data entry on computers, as well as migration censusing,
ringing, trap repairs, tree planting, visitor liaison, and occasional
maintenance tasks.
Successful applicants will be
expected to write a short report of their stay suitable for publication in the
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Annual Report.
Application forms are available
from the Bird Observatory and once completed should be sent to Dr Peter Evans,
Cynifryn, Abershore, Llanfaglan, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 5RA (e-mail
peter.evans@zoology.oxford.ac.uk, tel. 01286-672071) along with a
detailed CV (including your e-mail address and phone number), and two references
(such as from a school teacher or university lecturer, and a senior
naturalist/ornithologist) with whom you are well acquainted.
Dr Evans will then notify you if
your application is successful, and you should then check the availability of
accommodation with Hollie, the Administrator at the Observatory, and reserve
your bed. You should then provide Hollie with details of your travel, and don't
forget to save all travel receipts and present them to her when you arrive, to
claim your travel back. Cost of travel will be offset against your bill for
accommodation.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
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