This is an intense, but highly rewarding, 5-week certification program. We expect you to put your 100% effort into this program, so that you achieve your certification. The first week of in-class theory instruction there will be a lot of information thrown at you. Some you may already know and some new. Preparing before the course commences will give you a head start that will assist you during the first week of instruction, which is a must attend 5 day in-class theory training September 15-19 at Creekside Oasis in Toledo. The in-class days will be a series of lectures, activities and assessments from 9:00am-4:00pm with breaks. LUNCH will be provided and the cost of lunch is covered by us. Roni Martinez will be leading the training assisted by Mat Sacul.
We expect everyone to attend all the training days and to be on time and eager to learn. Please bring a notebook, your field guides, your binoculars, and a device that you can use the Raptor ID App and eBird. If you do not have binoculars or a device please let us know.
Then to complete the certification program and receive your certificate everyone is required to conduct 20 DAYS of hawk watching at our migration count-site in Cattle Landing, Toledo District, sometime between October 1 and December 15. We ask that you work 5 days straight, but the 4 weeks does NOT have to be consecutive. For instance you can work October 1-5, then 21-25, etc. As long as you complete your 20 days of training by December 15 with 4 five day weeks. We prefer two 10 day sessions, but we know that your schedule may not allow for this. When you commit to your days we expect you to be ready to hawk watch those days. If you are scheduled for a start time of 8:00am, we expect you to arrive at the team house the day prior or to be at the count-site by 7:45am. If you do not fulfill your days you may not be eligible to receive your certificate. The count is daily (Monday-Sunday) from 8:00am-4:00pm. The work schedule varies with a combination of half and full days to avoid fatigue.
We will provide shared housing, which is near the count site, as well as a $100bz food and travel (bus fees) stipend to help cover your costs. If you live in Toledo, but still need to use the house during your count days please let us know. You will receive this stipend after you complete your 20 days of hawk watching. We encourage participants to ask their employers to cover their costs, especially tour guides.
We have a few seats left!
If you are interested email us at belizebirdconservancy@gmail.com
