Volunteer for New Hampshire Bird Records

Volunteering is at the heart of New Hampshire Bird Records! It takes many dedicated volunteers and countless hours to produce a single issue. Most volunteers find it a rewarding experience and remain in their positions for many years, but we are always eager to welcome new volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact:

Rebecca Suomala at New Hampshire Audubon
rsuomala@nhaudubon.org
(603) 224–9909×309


Volunteer Position Descriptions

Season Editor: The volunteer Season Editor for New Hampshire Bird Records reviews the eBird reports for their season, writes the summaries of the highlights and determines the reports to be published. The job requires experience birding in New Hampshire, good writing skills, familiarity with eBird and Excel, and the ability to meet deadlines. Familiarity with the NH Birds e-mail list and a current subscriber important; active birder and reporter to eBird preferred.

Rare Bird Data Manager: This position involves compiling, organizing and tracking incoming documentation of rare bird sightings. Tasks will include checking and sending e-mails; gathering documentation if necessary; printing, scanning and compiling documents, photos, and other associated materials; compiling a list of rarities and organizing materials at the end of each New Hampshire Bird Records season. Experience with computers (including e-mail) and good attention to detail is required. Familiarity with various file types (i.e. photos, pdfs, Word and Excel) is preferred; familiarity with the birding community is helpful. The position requires a half day, once a week, in the Concord office.

eBird Reviewer: This volunteer assists with with reviewing and error checking New Hampshire bird sightings in eBird. The primary task for this position is to review unusual reports in eBird, research location and information discrepancies, and contact observers to resolve questions about their sightings. Additional tasks include requesting additional details on some reports. Proficiency with computers and familiarity with NH birds required, familiarity with eBird and internet tools preferred. Although some work may be done from home, most work will take place at the NH Audubon McLane Center in Concord.

Bird Data Special Project: This volunteer position involves entering historic bird sighting data into eBird. Tasks include reviewing paper forms or Excel files, standardizing location names, researching locations that are vague or unclear, and entering data in eBird. It requires creative research skills and persistence to find old place names. The tasks require using eBird and Google Maps, and often Excel, so familiarity with these programs is desired. Good record keeping, patience, and attention to detail are critical and some knowledge of birds (common vs. rare) is helpful. Some work can be done at home, but training and most research takes place in the Concord office.

Where to Bird Feature Coordinator: This volunteer obtains content for the regular feature highlighting a birding location in New Hampshire. It begins with creating a lineup of topics for the popular Where to Bird feature with help from members of the New Hampshire Bird Records Editorial Team. Responsibilities include contacting authors to write those articles, providing guidance and editing, and facilitating the creation of associated maps. The position requires the ability to meet deadlines and good editing skills. Familiarity with birding throughout the state is helpful.

Field Notes Coordinator: This volunteer gathers stories and photos for the regular Field Notes feature in each issue. Responsibilities include reviewing the NHBirds email list for potential stories, contacting authors, obtaining photos, and occasionally writing text or researching additional information to include. The position requires familiarity/interest in birds, the ability to meet deadlines, and good editing skills. Work may be done from home.

eBird Hot Spot Manager: Review suggestions for eBird Hot Spots in New Hampshire, contact the person for more information if necessary, name and place hot spots with assistance from the New Hampshire Bird Records Editor. Requires good organization, ability to read maps, familiarity with birding in the state, and experience using eBird and the mapping feature.

Computer Data Entry: Process incoming bird sightings and enter in the computer via eBird. Involves typing sightings into the on-line web site, eBird, including locating sightings on a map from written descriptions. Familiarity with a computer and attention to detail essential, experience with eBird preferred.

Graphic Production Assistant:  Uses current production software and practices to create forms, small brochures and other smaller printed pieces. Position requires knowledge of layout and design procedures. Person should possess creative skills, awareness of current fashions in the visual arts, working knowledge of the latest computer packages and an understanding of material costs and time limits. Most work may be done from home but some time in the Concord office may be needed.

Reporters: Anyone can report their birding sightings through eBird. Reports are submitted on approved forms to –New Hampshire Bird Records – click on the link Report Your Sightings to eBird for how to get started. If you are a beginner, we encourage you to start with the Merlin ID App and take photos to document your reports.

Writer: Submit single articles on an interesting subject or contribute articles on a regular basis for specific features. Fascinating articles on bird related topics are always welcome.

Research and Volunteer Opportunities – Profiles the results from selected bird research related to New Hampshire birds, and highlights local volunteer opportunities in bird conservation.

Where to Bird – Write about a favorite birding spot or eBird HotSpot. Articles focus on birding locations in New Hampshire and provide information on what birds are found there, the best times to visit, and directions on how to get there.

Backyard Birder – Up close and personal descriptions of birding events happening in our own back yards. Topics can vary, including funny, interesting, and uncommon experiences with birds or nature and should include some information about what’s being described. Examples include “Daytime Encounters with Barred Owls,” and “Caching Behavior in Red-breasted Nuthatches.”

Species Spotlight – Details on the occurrence of a specific species in New Hampshire. Involves research into past records, compilation of reports, and review of published resources.

Special Articles – Any interesting bird related item can be turned into an exciting article. Uncommon or unusual bird habits, yearly birding events, seasonal anomalies, and rarities can all become an excellent article. Examples include the “Sky Dance of the American Pipits” and “Western Reef-Heron in New Hampshire.”


NH Bird Records Authors:

Click here to access issue deadlines.

Click here to access author guidelines, formats, and templates.

Unless specified, all images on this website are © Leonard Medlock for New Hampshire Bird Records.

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