Seabird Island Research Training Program

Each island is home to a rustic camp where research teams live and conduct research. Terrain is rugged and researchers must be able to navigate hiking over large boulders, through high vegetation, and slippery rocks and seaweed of the intertidal zone during boat landings. All field equipment, food, and drinking water are delivered to the island by boat and, must be carried to the camp site.  

Allergies to ragweed or other grass species can be debilitating. Non-native grasses cover a large portion of the islands and all the research camps are set up in these areas. If you have allergies, it is essential that you bring enough medication to last for your scheduled time. Relatively minor allergic reactions to grasses may become exaggerated on the islands as you are camping and working in grassy areas most of the day. 

Gull control is a necessary part of the restoration of Maine's seabird colonies. In managed areas, Herring (HERG) and Great Black-backed Gull (GBBG) nests or eggs are destroyed. Individual HERG or GBBG determined to be problem predators may be shot (as deemed necessary by the Island Supervisor.) Predator control is done under permit from state and federal agencies. You will not be asked to participate in gull control if you find it unsettling; however, it is important not to interfere with the process.

Finally, be prepared to practice your water conservation skills. All potable water must be carried onto the islands. Rainwater (when available) can be used for bathing. Laundry can be washed at the base camp after you return from the island, or by hand on the island, if rainwater supplies permit.

Food and research equipment is provided by Audubon, but there are a few things you'll need to bring. 

Housing is available in various forms ranging from tent spaces to a bedroom in a historic lighthouse, depending upon the sanctuary to which you are assigned. A waterproof tent that is designed to resist damage from high winds is a must for most researchers. Strong UV rays will cause some deterioration of the fly fabric, especially if you stay longer than two or three weeks. We recommend a plastic tarp sized to fit over your tent fly to protect it from UV rays and the uric acid in bird droppings. A two-person tent provides ample room for sleeping and storage of your clothes and some gear. A pair of binoculars, a sleeping bag, and ground pad are also vital.

Don't forget a poop shirt! (Yes, you read that right....) Terns and gulls have great aim during the nesting season. Having dedicated "poop gear" is helpful when you're working in the colonies. 

Island Supervisors are responsible for leading the daily operation of their assigned field station, though all staff participating in all aspects of seabird research and camp maintenance duties. Specifically, supervisors manage concurrent seabird studies, training staff on essential field skills, overseeing data collection and management, conduct visitor education, protect the site from human disturbance, conducting predator management, maintaining the safety of all staff on the island, maintaining buildings and equipment,  and coordinating logistics with mainland staff. At the close of the season, supervisors complete an end of season report that summarizes the results of the field season and present these results to the Gulf of Maine Seabird Working Group summer meeting on Hog Island.

Research Assistants participate in all aspect of seabird research, monitoring, management, and camp life, including: collecting data following work plans and daily assignments made by the island supervisors, banding and resighting birds using binoculars and spotting scopes, monitoring productivity and growth, conducting population counts, conducting feeding studies, entering data into computer databases, educating the public, participating in predator management, maintaining buildings and equipment, and shopping for supplies when on the mainland.