Project Overview
Seabirds are valuable indicators of ecosystem processes and ocean health, as they can inform us about a diversity of aspects of the marine environment upon which they rely. Shoals Marine Laboratory is located amidst a diverse community of nesting seabirds (including gulls, terns, wading birds and alcids), providing an ideal environment to study seabirds and their interactions with the marine environment. Shoals Marine Laboratory seeks motivated undergraduate research interns to investigate questions of seabird ecology and conservation as part of the Isles of Shoals Seabird Ecology and Conservation Program.
Interns will learn to capture and band seabird chicks, collect biological samples, take morphological measurements, and conduct observations of behavior at a distance with binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in trapping and tagging activities of adult seabirds. Each intern will gain hands-on experience in a broad range of field collection and observational methods by working as part of the field team for all seabird research activities. Interns will also participate in regular discussions and lectures as part of the larger Shoals Undergraduate Research Group.
2027 research projects will focus on diet and reproductive success in Black Guillemots and American Herring Gulls.
Prerequisites
Appropriate coursework in wildlife ecology and/or ornithology preferred. Previous experience at SML is preferred, but not required. Relevant SML courses include: Field Ornithology, Field Animal Behavior, and the Shoals Research Apprenticeship.
Project Mentors
Dr. Liz Craig (Director of Seabird Research, SML)
Dr. Gemma Clucas (Research Associate, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)