In North America, an estimated 1 billion birds are killed by colliding with windows each year. Estimating the number of birds of different species killed by windows is challenging, given high rates of scavenging. Solutions are readily available to prevent bird mortality from window collisions, including retrofitting windows with bird-safe designs (e.g., parachute cord, UV patterns, fritted windows, adhesive markers, and decorative murals). Yet, little is known about the effectiveness and uptake of mitigation measures across urban landscapes.
Your role -
We are looking for an MSc or PhD student to join an exciting, collaborative team of researchers, policy-makers, and volunteers from Carleton University, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Safe Wings Ottawa. The student will lead a study quantifying the rate of window collision mortality across different buildings using scavenging studies and acoustic recorders. They will also explore the effectiveness of different bird-safe window design. These data will be used in a decision-science framework to examine where different conservation approaches are most effective to prevent window collisions. The results from this project will support grassroots movements to advocate for retrofitting of windows with bird-safe design. The results will also inform national standards to tackle the issue of window collisions at a federal level. The student will have an opportunity to learn to co-develop scientific research, conduct urban field work, and improve conservation policy and practice. The position start date is September 2023, with potential opportunity for summer field work. The student will be supervised by Dr. Rachel Buxton and co-supervised by Dr. Barbara Frei.
Selection Criteria -
Essential Skills and Qualifications
1. An undergraduate degree in ecology, conservation science, environmental science, geography,
or related field. Relevant work related experience will also be considered.
2. Strong research, leadership, and communication skills.
3. Inter-personal skills.
4. Enthusiasm and kindness.
5. A desire to make the world a better place for people and nature.
Desirable Skills
1. Experience identifying birds.
2. Coding skills in R.
Application details -
Note that we are only accepting Canadian students at this time. Applicants should send the following to Rachel Buxton (Rachel.Buxton@carleton.ca ) by January 9: 1) Letter of interest summarizing your experience; 2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) Contact details for three references; and 4) University transcripts (unofficial are fine). Please use the subject line Bird Window Collisions application.