PEPtBO has a number of meaningful volunteer opportunities
PEPtBO’s banding site is significant due to the tremendous number of migratory birds that pass through the area. The location is a focal point for passerines, waterfowl and raptors, with yearly reports of rare and unusual species. Prince Edward Point was designated an Important Birding and Biodiversity Area in 1998 in recognition of the abundant and vulnerable species migrating through our habitat.
In an average spring we band 5000-5500 birds of 100 or more species, and in the fall we band 6,000 to-8,000 birds of over 100 species. Daily banding totals have reached more than 700 in a day but 100-300 is more usual. Owl banding takes place in the fall and up to 1500 owls have been banded in a season, although 700-800 is more usual.
PEPtBO also conducts public demonstrations and educational outreach so people of all ages can learn about bird identification, migration ecology and the importance of conservation. Our goal is to tap into the public’s enthusiasm for birds by offering resources and events to discover the joy of birds and birding and recognition of the perils facing them.
Common Yellowthroat
Program and Organizational Volunteers
As PEPtBO has no paid administrative staff, volunteers play an essential role in PEPtBO’s success. There are a number of ways to contribute to PEPtBO, including:
Special Events
Volunteers fill a vital role in all PEPtBO Events. PEPtBO relies on volunteers to assist with event planning and implementation from start to finish. Volunteers provide a wide range of assistance, including event logistics, setup and clean up, parking management, greeters, welcome and information tables, providing assistance to event participants, as well as many other tasks.
Guided Walks
Volunteers also share their knowledge and expertise by leading groups on guided hikes, or giving talks on various PEPtBO and nature related topics.
Fundraising
Volunteers assist the Fundraising Committee with fundraising activities by planning and organizing, distribution and sales of merchandise, promoting and marketing of events and fundraising activities via social media, local news and radio, liaison with local merchants, distribution of brochures or other promo information, working with event sponsors and donors along with many more tasks.
Bird Surveys and Census
PEPtBO conducts several bird surveys around the country, and performs a daily bird census during the banding season. Volunteers skilled in bird identification can be great assets in these conservation endeavors.
Board of Directors
Directors serve a renewable two-year term. As this is an operational board, directors can expect to spend an average of ten hours a month on board duties and activities.
And many others!
If you have a special skill or interest, please let us know.
Station Assistants
PEPtBO banding station is managed by a licensed Bander-in-Charge (BIC) with an assistant, but is also supported by enthusiastic and friendly volunteers. Would you like to be one? We welcome anyone who shares the goals of PEPtBO and is willing to undergo training.
Our spring season runs from early April to the end of May, and our fall season runs from mid-August to the end of October. We do take volunteers for our spring and fall migration seasons.
As there can be a steep learning curve for banding assistants, most of our volunteers are local/semi-local and the commitment is 1 day a week during the banding season. Volunteers arrive at the station for sunrise and assist for the 6 hour banding period.
Banding Assistant volunteers support PEPtBO’s mission in many ways, such as:
Scribe data collected by the banders
After training, extract birds from the nets during banding season
Assist with maintenance of the Observatory
To apply to be a Daily Banding Assistant, please complete the Volunteer Application Form. We will be reaching out around February to fill our Spring volunteer schedule/July to fill our Fall volunteer schedule, priority is given to returning volunteers.
Visiting Banders
For Visiting Banders wishing to practice or develop their banding skills, PEPtBO takes volunteer visiting banders during our spring and fall migration seasons, subject to availability of staff to train and accommodation (if needed).
Our aim is to provide visiting banders with dedicated 1-on-1 training and support from our highly skilled banders so visiting bander stays are subject to fees for training, accommodation and food (see below). Because we are located within a National Wildlife Area operated by the Canadian Wildlife Service there is no camping or staying in vehicles allowed in the area.
To apply to be a Visiting Bander, please complete the Visiting Bander Application Form. All applications will be reviewed by the PEPtBO team (in March in advance of the Spring season and July in advance of the Fall season). We may not be able to accommodate all visiting bander requests.
Please note that accommodation on site is limited, and if approved is subject to the following fees*:
First seven (7) days: $20/day
Day eight (8) + : $10/day
Other (per day): Accommodation $20, Food $20**
* Please contact us if financial assistance is needed.
** If you stay on site you are welcome to bring your own food