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Outstanding 4.98rating (38)
  • Life On Land

Tropical Bird Conservation & Monitoring

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn tropical bird identification by sight and sound
  • Build practical skills using Merlin Bird ID and eBird
  • Train in standardized bird-monitoring methods and point counts

Highlights

  • Learn tropical bird identification by sight and sound
  • Build practical skills using Merlin Bird ID and eBird
  • Train in standardized bird-monitoring methods and point counts
  • Contribute to supervised long-term bird surveys on Isla Solarte
  • Live in the rainforest of Bocas del Toro with accommodation and meals included
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Learn to identify tropical birds by sight and sound, build practical field skills to contribute supervised long-term bird monitoring in the rainforest of Isla Solarte

    Join Ankay Conservation in the rainforest of Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro, for a two-week hands-on tropical bird conservation program.

    Unlike a traditional birdwatching tour, this program is designed to take you from beginner to active participant in supervised bird monitoring.

    You will begin by ...

    About the program

    Join Ankay Conservation in the rainforest of Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro, for a two-week hands-on tropical bird conservation program.

    Unlike a traditional birdwatching tour, this program is designed to take you from beginner to active participant in supervised bird monitoring.

    You will begin by learning how tropical bird communities work and how to use modern identification and participatory-science tools. Through short theoretical workshops followed by guided field practice, you will gradually learn to identify a core group of Solarte’s birds visually and acoustically.

    During the second week, the focus shifts from learning birds to monitoring them. You will train in standardized point-count methodology, practice at Ankay’s permanent monitoring stations, and participate in supervised surveys that contribute to our developing long-term bird dataset.

    No previous birding, biology, or conservation experience is required.

    Typical day

    Week 1 — Learn the Birds

    Participants receive short theoretical workshops followed by practical field sessions in the rainforest.

    Training includes:

    • tropical bird ecology;
    • using Merlin Bird ID and eBird responsibly;
    • visual bird identification;
    • acoustic bird identification;
    • understanding ...

    Typical day

    Week 1 — Learn the Birds

    Participants receive short theoretical workshops followed by practical field sessions in the rainforest.

    Training includes:

    • tropical bird ecology;
    • using Merlin Bird ID and eBird responsibly;
    • visual bird identification;
    • acoustic bird identification;
    • understanding behavior, habitat and ecological guilds;
    • guided identification practice at different times of day.

    Bird identification training is divided across several days so participants can progressively build confidence before moving into monitoring.

    Week 2 — Monitor the Birds

    Once participants have developed their identification skills, training moves into standardized monitoring.

    Activities include:

    • identification review and readiness assessment;
    • point-count methodology;
    • practice surveys;
    • visual and acoustic detections;
    • recording survey conditions;
    • supervised surveys at permanent monitoring stations;
    • data review and interpretation.

    The aim is not to turn participants into professional ornithologists in two weeks.

    By the end of the program, participants should have the practical skills required to participate responsibly in supervised tropical bird monitoring.

    Free-time activities

    Field sessions vary according to bird activity and weather. Some monitoring sessions begin early in the morning, while identification practice may also take place later in the day. Classroom sessions are generally around 45 minutes. Free time is scheduled around this.


    Bocas del Toro, Panama is a ...

    Free-time activities

    Field sessions vary according to bird activity and weather. Some monitoring sessions begin early in the morning, while identification practice may also take place later in the day. Classroom sessions are generally around 45 minutes. Free time is scheduled around this.


    Bocas del Toro, Panama is a vibrant destination known for its breathtaking beaches, excellent surfing and hiking, and a wide variety of tours and excursions. Popular highlights include Cayo Zapatilla, Isla Pájaros, cacao farm tours, and Wizard Beach.

    At the center, you’ll find a volleyball court and pool table on-site, a 2-minute walk to the ocean for swimming, a 15-minute walk to Hospital Point Beach, and jungle trails waiting to be explored.

    The main town offers a lively atmosphere with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, providing plenty of options for dining and nightlife.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    No previous birding or conservation experience is required. Before arrival, participants must: create a free eBird account; complete Cornell Lab’s free eBird Essentials online course; download Merlin Bird ID; download the appropriate Panama bird pack; download eBird Mobile.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's included

    • Accommodation for the full stay
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday–Saturday
    • Airport or arrival pick-up in Bocas del Toro
    • Tropical bird ecology training
    • Merlin + eBird field training
    • Bird-identification workshops
    • Guided rainforest field sessions
    • Point-count monitoring training
    • Supervised conservation surveys
    • Data review and interpretation
    • Program field materials
    • Wi-Fi and use of Ankay facilities

    Airport Pickup at Bocas Del Toro

    Programs start on Mondays. We pick participants up from Bocas del Toro Airport or an agreed water-taxi arrival point.

    Day 1 is for arrival, orientation and settling into Ankay. Formal training begins the following day.

    Accommodation

    Participants stay at Ankay Conservation on Isla Solarte, surrounded by tropical rainforest and only a short walk from the Caribbean Sea.

    Shared accommodation is included, with private-room upgrades subject to availability.

    Ankay is approximately 5–10 minutes by boat from Bocas Town, allowing participants to enjoy a peaceful island setting while remaining close to restaurants, shops and nightlife.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner offered Monday through Saturday.

    We can cater to allergies, and there's a vegetarian menu. 

    Sunday is an off-day for our staff and for yourself where you can prepare your own food in our kitchen or go into town for lunch and or dinner.

    Breakfast

    We begin our day with a self-served continental breakfast consisting of cereal and milk, bread, cheese, butter, jam, fresh fruits and of course tea and coffee. 

    Lunch
    A typical lunch will have a protein (fish, chicken or a vegetarian option) , rice, beans and salad. We have lunch after we come back from diving.

    Dinner

    Dinner is served around 7pm and everyone eats together. Participation isn't mandatory, and if you wish to go out and try something else for a change you’re welcome to do so. Our cook prepares and serves a variety of local specialties.

    Should you suffer from any kind of food allergy, we’ll cook suitable replacement meals for you. Please give us notice about any (serious) allergies prior to arrival. We cook vegetarian meals/sides for vegetarians. For any more complex dietary regimens, we can offer that you cook for yourself in our kitchen.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bocas Del Toro (BOC) in Bocas Del Toro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Panama you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Panama. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program runs year-round

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,000 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Panama > Bocas del Toro

    Meet your project coordinator

    Paula
    38
    reviews
    4.98
    Outstanding
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Conservation Work in Panama
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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