Field Inclusive Experience Reflection: Sanai Barnes

“Overall, this internship strengthened my knowledge, skills, and passion for wildlife conservation. I left the experience with a greater appreciation for the work being done to protect our environment, meaningful connections with professionals in the field, and memories that I would carry with me throughout my career.”

BY SANAI BARNES

Over the course of the summer of 2026, I felt like I entered a new world. In the field of ornithology, there was always something new to learn, whether it was a new bird call, the difference in appearance between immature and mature birds, or whether seagulls actually existed. My summer as a joint fellow at Cape Fear Bird Observatory ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I was first introduced to Cape Fear Bird Observatory and Field Inclusive when my honors advisor sent me the application as a possible summer internship. I had always had an appreciation for all wildlife, so I was interested in the opportunity to get hands-on experience with birds even though I had never had a distinct attraction to them. When I first arrived in North Carolina after making a 12-hour drive from Mississippi, I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous about being on my own in an unfamiliar place. Getting used to fieldwork involved a major learning curve, as I was unaccustomed to early mornings and kayaking, but I was encouraged and taught new things every step of the way.

This internship provided me with many opportunities that exceeded my expectations. I was able to gain practical field experience with painted buntings and learn a variety of skills. In just under three months, I gained proficiency in identifying the sex, age, and calls of painted buntings. Being able to safely capture, process, and release birds gave me invaluable hands-on experience. These experiences challenged me to apply what I had learned, improve my technical skills, and develop confidence in handling birds responsibly. Additionally, this internship allowed me to explore working with and banding black skimmers and the migratory birds of Wilmington. No matter what I was doing, I was always learning something new. Throughout the summer, there were many opportunities for me to take the knowledge I had absorbed and share it with the community. At each banding demonstration or bird walk I attended, I connected people with nature and helped the community understand the value of conservation. It was inspiring to see how many people wanted to help the environment and to be able to teach them something new.

An especially memorable experience was attending Advocacy Day in Raleigh through Audubon North Carolina. Through Cape Fear Bird Observatory, I was introduced to professionals and advocates who were passionate about conservation and dedicated to making a difference. Under their guidance, I went door to door informing legislators about actions that could benefit the environment and how they could help. I also had the opportunity to speak with senators and advocate for conservation funding in North Carolina. Being able to share my experiences and spread awareness only reinforced my love for environmental stewardship.

One of the things I was most grateful for was the patience and trust that Evangelyn Buckland, one of the co-founders of Cape Fear Bird Observatory, showed me throughout the summer. This internship provided me with a calm and controlled environment where I felt comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and learning new things. The supportive space I was given allowed me to become more independent and confident in my abilities throughout the summer. Knowing that Evan believed in me made a huge difference in my learning experience.

Overall, this internship strengthened my knowledge, skills, and passion for wildlife conservation. I left the experience with a greater appreciation for the work being done to protect our environment, meaningful connections with professionals in the field, and memories that I would carry with me throughout my career. More than anything, I had always wanted to make a difference, and this internship gave me hope that I could. I was incredibly thankful for the guidance, opportunities, and support I received, and I looked forward to applying everything I had learned in my future endeavors.