Description
The two-day, fully online Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods training program will train participants to plan and conduct nest sweeps. Breeding birds and their nests, eggs and young are federally protected. Birds nest in a wide variety of habitats and specialized surveys are required to detect them. Nest sweeps are conducted in an area prior to, as well as during, industrial activity such as road and pipeline construction. The appropriate technique depends on those species likely to be present and the habitat. Once nests are found they need to be marked and monitored to prevent destruction or disturbance.
This course is offered in two formats: fully online (November to March each year) and online with a field component (March to November each year). Currently the course is only offered online. Once a safe work environment exists for instructors and students, this course will be offered with a field component during the spring and summer months. At that time, the course will include classroom training (roughly 60%) and a field-based practicum (roughly 40%) in various locations across Canada.
This course will train personnel to perform efficient, effective and ecologically responsible nest sweeps for breeding birds. After completing this course participants will understand the regulatory and environmental drivers behind this practice, and be prepared to plan and conduct these specialized surveys. Being able to perform nest sweeps thoroughly and efficiently is a valuable and applicable skill for environmental professionals.
Participants will receive training in planning and conducting these surveys, including species-specific tips and tricks, techniques and key information on avian biology. The fully online version will focus on applying the skills in the field. During the spring and summer months there will be an accompanying field component to practice these skills in a realistic setting.
Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enroll once – come back anytime.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Develop an appropriate plan for conducting nest sweeps
- Identify common types of nests and birds
- Select the equipment needed
- Apply species and habitat specific survey techniques
- Develop efficient data sheets for monitoring nests and reporting survey results
- Communicate with clients and regulators to complete effective surveys
Who enrolls in Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods?
Course participants typically include: field technicians, biologists, Indigenous stakeholders and other current and aspiring environmental professionals.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course.
What should I bring?
Participants are required to supply their own computer and have a stable internet connection to access live lessons on a web-based learning platform. Writing supplies for taking notes are also recommended. For further information please contact NRTG.
How do I Attend?
This course is available via our website schedule, or on contract to companies, community groups or organizations. This course will be scheduled for delivery throughout the year (providing suitable weather). Interested groups or organizations can also arrange for an ‘in-house’ or contract delivery of this program. For further information, please contact us.
Check our course Schedule page for upcoming course deliveries.
Instructor Profile
Jeannine Randall, MSc.
Avian Ecologist
Jeannine has over 12 years experience studying birds in both academic and professional contexts. Her broad interest in ecology stems from a diverse background, working on multiple taxa in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Jamaica. In particular, she has a strong proficiency in the planning and implementation of avian-specific field techniques, including capture methods, nest surveys and identifying species by sight and sound. She has also studied the breeding ecology of amphibians and conducted amphibian salvage. Jeannine is skilled at communicating with diverse groups of learners in both classroom and applied field settings. She is passionate about teaching and applying sound scientific practices as an environmental professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer this course year-round. Please refer to our Schedule page for course timing and locations.
Course participants need to provide their own computer or ensure computer access and internet connectivity. Writing utensils and notebooks are recommended, while NRTG will supply you with a course workbook. Students will also need a waterproof field notebook, binoculars and appropriate field clothing for the field practicums.
This course is offered in two formats: fully online (October to March each year) and online with a field component (March to October each year). Currently the course is only offered online with supplemental field exercises. Starting in September 2021, this course will be offered with a field component with the course length expanded to two days in duration. Each course day will include online instruction and student-led field activities.
This course will train personnel to perform efficient, effective, and ecologically responsible nest sweeps for breeding birds. After completing this course participants will understand the regulatory and environmental drivers behind this practice and be prepared to plan and conduct these specialized surveys. Being able to perform nest sweeps thoroughly and efficiently is a valuable and applicable skill for environmental professionals.
This course will train personnel to perform efficient, effective, and ecologically responsible nest sweeps for breeding birds. After completing this course participants will understand the regulatory and environmental drivers behind this practice and be prepared to plan and conduct these specialized surveys. Being able to perform nest sweeps thoroughly and efficiently is a valuable and applicable skill for environmental professionals.
The Amphibian & Reptile Salvage Methods course is a one-day, fully online training program that provides participants with key skills in interpreting and applying regulations, planning and conducting salvages. Topics covered include, capture and handling techniques, species identification, considerations when relocating salvaged individuals and best practices for preventing disease transfer. Although this course is online, there will be an emphasis on applying these skills in the field.