Autumn Migration Assistant - Voluntary Position
Migration Assistant Job description
A voluntary position is available for a maximum of 10 weeks, ending no later than 16th November 2026. The closing date for applications is at 6pm on Saturday 30th May, interviews to be held soon after.
The Alderney Bird Observatory (ABO) was founded in March 2016 becoming an accredited bird observatory and independent company ‘Alderney Bird Observatory Ltd’ in 2018, a member of the British Bird Observatories. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the bird observatory on Alderney, the most northern of the inhabited Channel Islands, measuring 5 km long and 2.4 km wide. It is proving to be one of the British Isles’ busiest bird migration hot-spots, monitoring tens of thousands of birds each year as they traverse the East Atlantic Flyway. The input by the ABO is placing the Bailiwick Islands on the world stage, adding valuable scientific data to the status of the birds of Europe and showcasing the region for its rich bird-life.
The core responsibilities of the migration assistant focuses on:-
● completing the daily census and inputting the data collected
● to assist with maintaining a bird ringing program
● contribute content for social media, reports and promotions
● aiding with the day-to-day running of the observatory
● assisting with managing visitors and supporting the Warden.
The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate experience of ornithological fieldwork and be familiar with a wide range of avian species and have the ability to accurately count and record birds. There may be opportunity to be involved with Nocmig recording on Song-meter and Motus tracking. The position is best suited to either an experienced birder, capable of completing the daily census work and recording bird migration or to an experienced C/permit or higher (with unrestricted mist net endorsement). You will need to be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently without supervision and also as part of a small team. You will need to have considered the challenges of living and working on a small island.
This position is a seasonal role for a duration of a maximum of 10 weeks (ending no later than 16th November ’26). The role is voluntary and does not carry any remuneration but it may be possible to defray some expenses incurred for a suitable candidate. The position does not automatically come with accommodation but it may be possible to accommodate the assistant in a member’s house in the St Anne town. If you have any further questions or to submit an application please send a letter of interest and your CV, together with a copy your ringing permit (if you have one) and any relevant documentation to support your application by email to ABO Warden Matt Scragg This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alderney Beaches are great places for birds
Friday 8th May Round Up
Eight Reed Warblers that were previously ringed at Longis have been encountered again this week, two of which were originally ringed soon after they had fledged in 2021.
A Sedge Warbler ringed on 1st May at Longis was re-encountered the following day in Northamptonshire, over 300 kilometres away!
A Water Pipit, ringed on Wednesday, was only the second to be ringed on Alderney.
Pictured, Water Pipit by Paul Veron.
Water Pipit by Paul Veron
May 6th - Longis is still producing good birds with Water Pipit this morning
Matt caught a Water Pipit at Longis this morning only the second one to be ringed on Alderney.
