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SCPBRG Internship Opportunities

Our peregrine falcon release sites offer students an intensive, two-month field experience where they learn to use radio telemetry, make observations, and log field notes. Applications and inquiries should be made by mid-March for sites operating for eight week periods from early April to mid-July. Young peregrines are released at their normal fledging age and learn of the release site as a safe place to find food. Interns place food at the release site daily and note which birds come to eat.

Each falcon is permanently banded with an identifying aluminum band on one leg that may be read from a distance with spotting scope or binoculars. It usually takes six to eight weeks for the falcons to become fully independent of the food at the release site. Radio telemetry transmitters used to aid in monitoring the falcons after release, typically fall off after about two weeks.

Predatory Bird Research Group staff members serve an advisory role as an organizational sponsor. Students choose a faculty member from their major to receive independent study credit for the internship.