Jen Stockdale
PhD Student
Cardiff University
Cardiff, UK
Most likely to be found…
…Writing my PhD thesis whilst wishing I was nest finding!
Involved with the BOU as:
ECR member
BOU member since: 2014
Why are you a member of the BOU?
For the opportunities – the networking possibilities, workshops and conferences.
What would you say to anyone who is considering joining (or leaving!) the BOU?
If you have an interest in ornithology then joining the BOU is a must. The incredible bi-annual conferences on up-to-date topics provide fantastic networking opportunities. Being an ECR also gave me access to reduced rates to attend the recent 2015 EOU conference, an opportunity that would otherwise have been out of reach.If you’re thinking about leaving the BOU – don’t! Have another think about the amazing benefits on offer.
If you’ve attended a BOU conference, what did you get out of it?
The chance to meet so many different knowledgeable people united by their passion and desire to work on birds. A mix of fascinating talks and posters provided a real overview to the latest technology and advances in food webs theory and practice.
When did your interest in ornithology begin?
When I was working as an assistant visitor officer on an RSPB reserve after finishing my Zoology degree. I started helping the reserves team with the various different bird surveys and began ringing on my days off. From there my interest has grown and I’ve never looked back. I’ve worked on various different avian research projects both in the UK and much further afield and I’m currently in the final stages of my PhD.
What is your most memorable bird-y experience?
I don’t think it’s possible to just pick one as I’ve been so fortunate to have many close encounters with birds through ringing and various research projects….My top three would probably have to be walking round the largest Frigatebird colony in the Indian Ocean whilst working on Aldabra, watching Little Blue Penguins in Australia and the buzz I still get every time I ring a bird or find a new nest to monitor.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, that you haven’t yet been to, where would it be and why?
South Georgia and the Falkland Islands – I’d love to see all 17 species of penguin in the wild. I’ve taken 4 species off the list so only 13 to go!!!