Be studying the birds so that you can identify them by sight and especially by sound. You should have a good field guide that covers the birds of Eastern North America. I will send you a CD with tracks of song clips of all the species. See the Birds List link.

There are also good websites out there. In particular see: www.Whatbird.com This site will show pictures and sounds of each species. Concentrate first on the focal species, then begin learning the other species.

Focal Forest Species:

• Ovenbird
• Kentucky Warbler
• Wood Thrush
• Red-eyed Vireo
• Worm-eating Warbler
• Acadian Flycatcher

Focal Early Succession Species:

• Hooded Warbler
• Indigo Bunting
• Yellow-breasted Chat
• White-eyed Vireo Prairie Warbler
• Blue winged Warbler

See the “cheat sheet” that I will send with the CD for additional species and hints for remembering songs.

Things you should bring

• Sturdy boots
• Field clothes (Long pants, long and short-sleeved shirts, will be cool at the start of the season, hot and humid before very long)
• Rain gear
• Water bottle or two
• Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
• Bedding, pillows and room necessities
• The rooms have beds, mattresses, an upright closet and a metal footlocker.
• Swimsuit, camping gear, camp chairs, etc. (optional, but there are good places to go swimming, canoeing, hiking and camping in the area if you like that sort of thing)

Things we provide

• Vehicle for work purposes (MDC pickup truck with four-wheel drive)
• Furnished living area with couches, tables, and a community television.
• Bedroom and Bathroom facilities.
• Kitchen area with limited cupboard space, refrigerators, freezers, stove, oven, microwave, cookware, dishes and silverware.  Housing Pictures
• Binoculars, compass, clipboards insect repellants.
• Training and guidance.
• Laptop for data entry and working on personal research projects. We expect to have shared wireless internet access in the housing (new this year.)

Things Ellington Provides

Ellington is about 7 miles from the Current River Conservation Area housing. It is a small town with a diner, grocery store, Dollar General, pharmacy, hospital and gas stations. The nearest large town is Poplar Bluff and is an hour away.

Winona and Eminence are the two towns nearest (15 to 20 miles) to the Peck Ranch Conservation Area housing and they have similar amenities.