[BERG] FW: Volunteer research assistant needed (crow research)

FYI: A volunteer research assistant (RA) is needed to join a team of existing RAs assisting PhD student Julie Chase with on-campus fieldwork and data processing as part of the Crow Behavior and Cognition Project. This position will run through early December, but the RA would have an additional opportunity to continue with the crow project during the carrion crow breeding season (late March-July). This is a unique opportunity for students interested in both observational and experimental behavioral research on wild animals. No experience is needed, but punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail are key. Estimated weekly time commitment is anywhere from 2-4 hours, although this may vary based on requirements, weather, and availability. Field/data collection: 1. A field study investigating the allofeeding of a disabled carrion crow by two healthy crows. This is an exceptionally rare behavior that has only ever been reported in a few species, all mammals. The RA would help Julie with videoing and collecting behavioral data in 1-hour long sessions, up to 2-3 mornings per week. 2. Temporarily assisting with care of a carrion crow undergoing rehabilitation for a plumage issue. 3. Ringing adult crows. In collaboration with experts from BTO Scotland and Tay Ringing Group, we are currently ringing the campus crows for identification from afar and conducting simple behavioral tests to determine reactions to the stress of this human handling. While this activity is optional, it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about behavioral research on (very) temporarily captive animals, as well as new field ecology techniques. The RA would primarily assist with note taking and sample collection. Data processing: 1. Coding video of the disabled and the allofeeding crows using a behavioral ethogram. 2. Processing audio data measuring the soundscape across the University campus. If interested, please get in touch with Julia (Julie) Chase at j.e.chase(a)stir.ac.uk. Thanks, Julie ____________________________________ Julie Chase (she/her) PhD Student Crow Behaviour & Cognition Project Behaviour & Evolution Research Group Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, UK Best wishes, Pawel ------------------------------- Dr Pawel Fedurek (he/his) Lecturer in Psychology Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, UK @pawel-fedurek<https://bsky.app/profile/pawel-fedurek.bsky.social> @berg-stirling<https://bsky.app/profile/berg-stirling.bsky.social> Staff page<https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1080868> | BERG page<https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research-groups/behaviour-and-evolution-research-group/> I aim to reply within 3 working days (my working days are between Monday and Friday). ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159