ORNITHOLOGY PROJECT

Due to its privileged geographical situation, ecological and climatic conditions, Ecuador has become one of the best places for the observation and study of birds. Today, Ecuador has a registered classification of 1,640 or 17% of species from the 9,702 global total. Within the totally virgin rainforest, are 9200 hectares of Kichwa Pilchi native lands; offering a fantastic opportunity to Ornithologists and research volunteers interested in carrying out research studies.

 

The main objective of this project is to make an inventory of the birds that inhabit the native lands of the Kichwa Pilchi Biological Science Station and to maintain a record and perform analysis on the vulnerable population and the possible effects from climate change.

 

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT

This project is open to nationals and overseas volunteers who want to get deep into the Amazon jungle and to experience the real coexistence with nature and the indigenous Pilchi culture within nature.

Volunteers must have at least a confident level of Basic Spanish to join the project. The project also offers an invaluable opportunity to strengthen your languages skills and also to acquire the basics in Kichwa, the Pilchi language.

Activities:
• Trap Placement
• Bird Identification
• Daily Reports
• Inventory
• Photographic record

Volunteer support

Volunteers will receive a formal project induction on arrival, and work under the supervision of a Project Director. The project provides support at local level in case of minor illness or accident. All volunteers must hold travel and health insurance to cover serious illnesses or accidents. Of course you must at least have a Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate or you will not be able to continue any journey out of Ecuador.

Volunteer accommodation

Accommodation is provided at the Pilchi Biological Science Station (Casa de voluntarios), where there are shared rooms with private bathrooms, a kitchen, restaurant and a Hammock area. The lodge is situated in a quiet part of jungle and it is 3 hours far away from Coca and Lago Agrio.

How to reach Pilchi?

There are several ways to reach Pilchi.

Taking a flight from Quito to Francisco de Orellana (Coca) or Lago Agrio. The cost of the flight varies between $ 150 and $ 200, depending on the season.

From Coca volunteers are able to take a motorized canoe directly to the lodge (2.5 – 3 hours). Also volunteers can take a Taxi until Puerto Providencia (2.5 hours) and then 20 minutes by motorized canoe to Pilchi.

From Lago Agrio the only way is by taking a private taxi to Puerto Providencia (2.5 hours) and then a 20 minute by motorized canoe to Pilchi.

Application process

Before coming to volunteer in Ecuador you must send:

• A letter of application indicating: experiences, future interests, reasons for choosing ETV, date of participation (needed to guarantee space availability).
• • A scan of your passport
• • Dietary restrictions, allergies and medication taken regulary
• • Spanish Level (confident basic level)
• • Copy of your health /accident insurance

Dates

• The project is available year round.
• Volunteers can join any Saturday, all projects start with an induction on Sunday afternoon.
• • Minimum stay is 1 month.
• • Minimum required 2 volunteers

The program includes

Local project coordinator specialized in ornithology

• • Project Orientation
• • Project transport
• • Accommodation
• • Shared room with private bathroom
• • 3 meals per day, restaurant, dining area and hammock area

Not included in the program

• • Air fare Quito – Coca or Lago Agrio - Quito
• • Visa is required for more than 3 months
• • Insurance
• • Tourist activities
• • Laundry

We suggest you bring

• Cell phone with Ecuador network chip (signal only available in a specific place at the lodge)
• • Sunhat
• • Sunglasses
• • Sunblock


• Insect repellent, not DEET please, preferably Citronella or other natural based product
• • Rain jacket
• • Swimsuit
• • Walking shoes
• • Waterproof sandals
• • Rubber boots


• Socks that do not slip easily inside the rubber boots + medicated foot powder to put in your socks keeps your feed drier and healthier)
• • Hiking pants (No jeans)
• • Shorts
• • Long-sleeved shirts
• • Light-weight shirts
• • Binoculars
• • Flashlight
• • Personal first aid
• • Passport and color copy
• • Personal medication
• • Camera with extra batteries

Note: Luggage weight limit: 20 Kg per person

 

If you want to support our project please contact us or if you want to donate click here