Percival “Percy” Ulsamer
I’m a recent graduate from the University of Maine with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology. I am currently completing my M.S. in Wildlife Ecology at the same university. My current research is focused on forest management sustainability through a long-term bird monitoring study and Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs).
Getting to work with birds as a job is a dream come true. I’ve been a birder since 2016 and a photographer for even longer.
When not delving into the world of birds, I am also an artist. I dabble in a variety of crafts, including sewing and leatherworking.
Education
B.S. in Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine – Fall 2022
M.S. in Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine – Anticipated Fall 2026
Professional Experience
Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant
University of Maine – Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology
June 2024 – Present
TA for multiple forestry and wildlife courses while completing my master’s degree.
Seasonal Research Assistant
Archbold Biological Station
March – May 2024
Assisted in Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) population conservation through daily surveys, band resighting, and nest searching and protection.
Grassland Bird Intern
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute – Virginia Working Landscapes
April – July 2023
Assisted in grassland bird research on working lands through territorial mapping surveys and nest searching and monitoring.
Biology Volunteer
USFWS – Midway Atoll NWR
March – September 2022
Removed invasive plants, monitored albatross reproduction and survival through surveying and banding, monitored Laysan Duck populations through weekly surveying, assisted in native and endangered plant restoration through planting, seed collection, and propagation.
Survey Field and Point Count Technician
University of Maine – Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology
April – August 2021
Conducted point count and territory mapping surveys of Maine forest birds.
Seabird Technician
USFWS – Maine Coastal Islands NWR
May – August 2020
Monitored a Common Tern colony through daily surveys, band resighting, banding chicks, and vegetation surveys.