Applications are now closed for 2019.  Congratulations to Alex Chapman who has won the Scholarship.

Once again we will be offering one UK Birder between the age of 16 - 18 the opportunity to win the Cameron Bespolka Scholarship to attend Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Event, in Ithaca, New York. This annual Young Birders Weekend brings teenagers together who have a passion for birds and who are interested in pursuing a career in this field. The participants will meet people who have successful careers that involve birds in a variety of ways from ornithological researchers, tour leaders, computer scientists to audio specialists as well as have an opportunity to discuss bird trends. This programme is held at Cornell University in Ithaca, near New York.

The Young Birders Event will feature: 

• two days of field trips
• presentations by Cornell Lab of Ornithology staff including professors, researchers, and students who will share various ways to incorporate birds into a career
• eBird and field notes workshop
• sound recording workshop
• tour of the Cornell Lab including the Macaulay Library and Museum of Vertebrates
• dinner with Cornell Lab Directors and staff

This trip will be sponsored by the Cameron Bespolka Trust and cover flights, transfers, the whole event which includes meals, accommodation, all transportation during the weekend . Some personal spending money is all that will be needed.

Download Application Form