|
Project properties |
|
| Title | Fieldwork in Norway: Adapting to the Arctic light, a study of the biological rhythms of Northern great tits |
| Group | Behavioural Ecology |
| Project type | internship |
| Credits | 24 |
| Supervisor(s) | Barbara Tomotani (Artctic University Tromsø, Norway) |
| Examiner(s) | Prof. dr. Kees van Oers (WUR-BHE/NIOO-KNAW) |
| Contact info | k.vanoers@nioo.knaw.nl - kees.vanoers@wur.nl or barbara.m.tomotani@uit.no |
| Begin date | 2024/09/01 |
| End date | 2028/05/31 |
| Description | We are looking for highly motivated, independent students to join us during the fieldwork to monitor breeding birds in Tromsø, Norway. You will have the opportunity to learn several different methods to work with birds in the field and also receive training in how to develop your researcher skills.
A short background As organisms colonize Northern areas their circadian clocks are challenged by the novel light conditions they encounter; with long days and nights. Because light is an important cue for circadian clocks, novel light conditions may disrupt the circadian organization with consequences for health and correct timing of behaviour. How fast, if at all, do populations adapt? The great tit is a recent colonizer in Northern Norway and a very interesting study organism to understand how animals adapt to novel light conditions. We are establishing a breeding population in Tromsø, 69°N, and collecting data on timing of daily and seasonal events and comparing these birds to those living further south. What will you do? You will help to monitor the great tit breeding season. We will follow the whole breeding from nest building until chick fledgling. You can also be involved when we catch, ring and measure adult birds and chicks. You will also help to collect activity and nest incubation data of birds using RFID tags and temperature loggers as well as feeder visitation data. There may also be opportunities of studies involving other behaviours and also combining measures collected in Norway and the Netherlands. Students are welcome to bring their own research questions if they fit in the scope of this project. For more information and questions, feel free to contact Barbara Tomotani and Kees van Oers. |
| Used skills | |
| Requirements | A good planning/organizing capacity
Check if applicable (e.g. Erasmus): https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=490106 The fieldwork starts preferably in May and lasts through to July, but specific dates can be negotiated (also in other months). Previous experience with avian fieldwork is helpful but not a requirement as training will be provided. |