BCP Volunteer Opportunities:
Cow Bird Trapper

Organization

Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP)

Job Title

Volunteer Cow Bird Trapper

Objectives

Travis County BCP Volunteer Program involves the community in endangered species conservation, land stewardship, wildlife management, monitoring, research, education, outreach, mapping, and information management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Monitor and maintain cowbird trap. Count male and female cowbirds in the trap, report any trapped non-target birds, provide food and water, and check health of birds. Inspect the trap to ensure shade cloth and perches are in place and look for red imported fire ants and dead birds.

Qualifications and Requirements

The volunteer must provide his/her own transportation to trap locations. The volunteer must be at least 18-years of age. The volunteer should have an interest in birds and wildlife management.

Lines of Communication

Staff will supervise your work. Your supervisor will coordinate access to the BCP, supply birdseed and water and monitoring forms.

Orientation and Training

The volunteer will receive orientation about the BCP, volunteer policy and safety. Travis County staff will provide training to educate the volunteer about life history of the brown-headed cowbird and how brood parasitism affects endangered songbirds of the BCP. The volunteer will work with County staff or an experienced volunteer to learn how to access traps and supplies, maintain food and water, monitor and count birds in the trap, identify of non-target species, inspect the traps, report to staff, and data entry.

Times Needed and Place of Work

The volunteer will work outside on the preserve. The volunteer should expect to work at least 30 minutes per trap visit.

Commitment Required

The volunteer may commit to monitoring a single trap one day per week. The volunteer could "adopt" a trap and would be responsible for monitoring and maintenance of that trap on a regular schedule three times per week.

Benefits

The volunteer will receive experience with bird identification, maintenance of cowbird traps, and wildlife management techniques. The volunteer will be trained by experienced staff. The volunteer will enjoy the spending time at the preserve and caring for birds. The volunteer will learn about wildlife management and the benefits of cowbird control to songbird populations.

Special Considerations

The volunteer must be comfortable working outside with birds and must be dependable. There is a possibility that volunteers will encounter rough terrain, snakes, scorpions, fire ants, poison ivy and other wild land hazards. Trap maintenance requires patience to count birds, ability to identify birds, commitment to a regular feeding/watering schedule, and good communication with their supervisor.

Dress Code and Supplies

We recommend you bring a cell phone and drinking water and wear boots and protective clothing.

Contact Information

William Burch, Travis County BCP Volunteer Coordinator
9512 RM 620 No
Austin TX 78726
(512) 219-6190 x3
william.burch@co.travis.tx.us