On May 19th, Steve Estebo <steb02 at frontiernet.net> posted the a message on MOU-NET about a field research opportunity with Dr. Dusti Becker in the cloud forest of Ecuador. It was so intriguing that we contacted her and were among the group mistnetting birds, observing and photographing the Andean Cock of the Rock in their lek, etc. Steve suggested we let people on the list know that these are both great birding and scientific contribution opportunities and that anyone who is fit (and part mountain goat) will have a wonderful and productive two weeks working with Dr. Becker, either at the coastal preserve at Loma Alta or the higher country preserve, Las Tangaras, near Mindo. Our group documented over 160 species. One has not lived until one has extracted a Tawny-bellied Hermit hummingbird who has corkscrewed her two inch beak in the mistnet, or been nibbled upon by an Orange-bellied Euphonia when extracting it. Seeing a Crimson-rumped Toucanet - one of the "show-birds" up close was fantastic. And the Andean Cock of the Rock were so curious about the camera click that is similar to their social location bill click signal that they came closer to the blind to investigate.
Watch for announcements of these sort of tax-deductible volunteer opportunities and participate if you can. One of our group was an 18 year old young man who was sponsored by someone who wants to support and encourage his interest in environmental science. This is really citizen science at its best. Linda & Robert Scarth Cedar Rapids, Iowa scarth at infionline.net
