Israel, and particularly the Eilat surroundings, has ranked high among foreign destinations for European birders for many years. Sometimes described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Israeli birding, Eilat is a fine and logical place to begin any desert birding tour.
Extraordinary concentrations of migratory birds use the area, making Eilat one of the busiest migration areas in the world. While the largest bird movements occur in spring (March–May) many interesting species occur in autumn. In addition to migrants, Eilat offers a rich and varied local avifauna, comprised of desert species, tropical species typical of the Rift Valley, Mediterranean and Red Seas.
Finally, Eilat has a proven record for attracting vagrant and accidental species, with new species for the country and the Western Palearctic recorded Every now and then.
The International Birding & Research Centre in Eilat has been operating a Bird Ringing Station for the last 25 years which has contributed greatly in monitoring and understanding bird migration along the Eastern Flyway while utilizing hands on approach to train and educate many bird ringers and visitors
who come to volunteer at the park.
Job Description - Passerines Ringer vacancy at the IBRCE
- The ringing period is August 20 to 30 November. Minimal staying period is six weeks.
- During the staying the volunteers are expected to take part in all ringing duties: 7 mornings a week and afternoon ringing if occurs (afternoon ringing happen up to 3 times a week and according to migration).
- In addition, ringers are asked to take part in tasks of the maintenance of the station's equipment and ringing site, entry of data on a daily basis to the computer and in accommodation general duties - cleaning of own room, cooking evenly with and for all etc.
- Monitoring - In the afternoons the team will be asked to take part in birding monitoring activities in Southern Arava and Eilat area.
- Some assistance with updating our Blog might be asked- from writing text to putting some of your photographs (with full credit). All volunteers might appear in the Blog, with names or pictures, during their voluntary period.
"Typical" day schedule*
- 05:30 nets opening and breakfast before first round.
- Ringing days typically start at 05:30 a.m. and end around 11 a.m, affected by weather and migration, 7 days a week. During ringing days checking of nets+ Helgoland traps will be done according to "Eilat Ringing Manual" as a guideline and guiding of groups will take place (not by the volunteers).
- Right after ringing- Fast cleaning of the ringing station and kitchen (toilets when needed).
- Breakfast/early lunch break.
- 12:00-14:00 Site/ equipment/ station maintenance and\ or data punching.
- 14:00-16:30 Lunch, Noon break (heat), time for birding around or visiting the beach (free time).
- 16:30-20:00 afternoon birding monitoring in the area or ringing in the afternoons a few times a week (no more than 3).
- 20:00 Dinner (Cooked by the volunteers).
- After dinner- Finishing all data punching for the day and free time (including possible visits at Eilat). All volunteers are very welcomed to bring slideshows or pictures to enrich the others.
*Times may vary along season due to changes in day length, weather conditions, waves of migration etc…
Requirements Requirements Requirements Requirements
- "B" or "A" bird ringing license.
- Proven experience with ringing of passerines (experience with raptors and/or waders- helpful).
- Basic English/Hebrew level which enable fluent work as team.
- Health and/or travelers insurance will not be provided and is needed while traveling abroad.
- While working and living at the park, it is vital to keep all the facilities in a proper and inviting condition. These include: Sleeping Room, Shower & Toilets, Kitchen and Ringing Station. A cleaning-duty round should be maintained by all volunteers and staff throughout the season. At all times of work, both at the IBRCE Park and outside, as well as while participating in any event (lecture, festival…), you are representing the IBRCE. Thus, all staff and volunteers should follow a proper dress and behavior codes.
Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits
- The ringers will benefit from a great experience in working at one of the most exciting and interesting Eurasian-African Flyway ringing stations as well as gaining field and ringing experience with many near-eastern and eastern species and subspecies.
- We provide a full coverage of the basic accommodation and food at the IBRCE volunteer's camp next to the ringing station.
- As time will allow, birding activities in Eilat & Arava region will take place as other free time activities- swimming at the red-sea, snorkeling, enjoying Eilat's night life etc.
- Free days for traveling and birding around will be positively considered and permitted during your staying, and will be approved if manpower allows it.
Conditions Conditions Conditions Conditions Conditions Conditions
- We supply our basic shared accommodation at the bird sanctuary (2 Km from town), basic food for you to prepare (No drinks) and a rental car.
- You will have to come to Eilat at your own cost.
For applications, please send
- Copy of your valid ringing license.
- Copy of your driving License.
- Preferred volunteering period
1. Longest range of suitable dates for staying with us.
2. Total length of staying you would like to actually have out of it.
Your CV (in ringing and any relevant additional information).
- Some basic personal data - name, age, country, ringing site/station (you may add anything you think is relevant).
Please let us know about any relevant health issues, for your own safety (allergies for example). Any questions you would like to ask us back.
To: Ibrce.office@gmail.com and nbayda@yahoo.com
Thank you and see you in Eilat
Noam Weiss
Director
IBRCE
