Summary:
– Jean Guzman, a zookeeper at Central Park Zoo, recently lent his bird-handling skills to Project Puffin, a field conservation program on Matinicus Rock, Maine.
– Jean assisted in collecting data on seabird colonies to understand the challenges they face from climate change and other factors.
– Working on the project allowed Jean to gain new skills and knowledge about Atlantic puffin behavior, which he could apply to his work at the zoo.
– Through his participation, Jean contributed to the project and learned from the experience.
Birds are fascinating creatures that captivate our attention with their colors, calls, and behaviors. But did you know that some individuals go beyond their roles as zookeepers to actively contribute to bird conservation in the wild? Meet Jean Guzman, a dedicated zookeeper at Central Park Zoo. He recently had an exciting opportunity to lend his bird-handling skills to a field conservation program called Project Puffin on Matinicus Rock, Maine.
Project Puffin aims to better understand seabird colonies’ challenges, particularly climate change and other factors. Jean’s role in the project involved collecting data on the island’s seabird colonies, focusing on Atlantic puffins. The data collected would shed light on puffin behavior and their parenting practices, ultimately aiding in replicating their natural environment at the zoo and successfully hand-rearing pufflings.
Jean found the experience of working in the field both rewarding and educational. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I learned a lot about Atlantic puffin behavior and how they raise their chicks, which ties to the work we do at Central Park Zoo to replicate their natural environment and take the place of their parents when hand rearing pufflings. It was a mutually beneficial experience.”
One of the fascinating aspects of Jean’s work on Matinicus Rock was exploring the tight spaces in search of puffin burrows. Puffins are known to nest in burrows, and some caves can be found in extremely cramped spaces. Jean left no stone unturned, carefully navigating these narrow passages to locate the hidden homes of these charismatic seabirds.
While on the island, Jean also had the opportunity to band pufflings for future identification purposes. This involved placing lightweight aluminum bands on the legs of the chicks. The bands serve as a way to track the birds’ movements and gather valuable data for ongoing research. It may seem simple, but this process is crucial in understanding puffin population dynamics and migration patterns.
The fieldwork wasn’t without its challenges. As Jean handled the pufflings, he had to be mindful of the adult terns nearby. Adult terns protect their nests and offspring, often dive-bombing anyone they perceive as a threat. To shield himself from these swooping birds, Jean wore a hat adorned with antennae. While it may look comical, the antennae provided protection and allowed him to carry out his work without disturbance from the vigilant terns.
Of course, the highlight of Jean’s experience was holding a recently banded puffin chick in his hands. This hands-on experience allowed Jean to feel a deeper connection to the birds he cares for at the zoo and a renewed appreciation for the delicate balance between human intervention and the natural world. The small puffin chick, with its fluffy feathers and curious gaze, represented hope for the future of these remarkable seabirds.
Jean’s contribution to Project Puffin was invaluable. Through his skills as a zookeeper, he collected data that would contribute to our understanding of puffins and enriched his understanding of their behavior and needs. This newfound knowledge will undoubtedly be applied at Central Park Zoo, where Jean and his colleagues continue their vital work in creating a nurturing and authentic environment for these incredible birds.
In conclusion, Keeper Jean Guzman’s involvement in Project Puffin on Matinicus Rock, Maine, allowed him to expand his skills and knowledge as a zookeeper. By collecting data on seabird colonies, particularly Atlantic puffins, Jean contributed to important research on the challenges these birds face and gained first-hand experience that will benefit his work at Central Park Zoo. Jean’s dedication and passion for wildlife conservation exemplify zookeepers’ vital role in protecting and preserving our natural world.
*****
Source Description
Keeper Jean Guzman recently had an opportunity to lend his bird-handling skills to a field conservation program called Project Puffin on Matinicus Rock, Maine. Jean assisted in collecting data on the seabird colonies found on the island. This data will be used to understand the challenges that seabirds face from climate change and other factors.
Working out in the field helped Jean gain new skills and knowledge. Jean told us: “I learned a lot about Atlantic puffin behavior and how they raise their chicks, which ties to the work we do at Central Park Zoo to replicate their natural environment and take the place of their parents when hand-rearing pufflings (puffin chicks). I contributed to the project using skills I acquired as a zookeeper, which was mutually beneficial.”
Photo 1: Jean left no stone unturned. Some puffin burrows are found in extremely tight spaces.
Photo 2: Jean putting a lightweight aluminum band on the puffling’s leg for future identification purposes.
Photo 3: Weighing a banded chick. While it may look silly, the antennae on Jean’s hat protect adult terns, who try to ward off predators by dive bombing them.
Photo 4: Jean holding a recently banded puffin chick.
