The BBC is pleased to announce that two teen birders have been selected to receive Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarships that nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2023 scholarships cover the full cost ($1690) of the Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens program at National Audubon’s Hog Island camp from June 18-23, 2023, including housing, boat travel, and all meals. We’ll be announcing this year’s scholarship recipients soon!

“I thoroughly enjoyed my week on Hog Island, from learning about tracking bird migration, to landing on Eastern Egg Rock and seeing the large colony of nesting seabirds, to meeting the researchers who work on Eastern Egg Rock. It was so amazing to have the chance to meet highly influential researchers and conservationists, and to see the successfully restored puffin colony on Eastern Egg Rock up close. I loved spending time with birders my own age with whom I could relate. . . I am immensely thankful for this incredible opportunity.”

Johnny Owens, 2022 recipient

All completed applications and references must be received by the BBC scholarship committee by Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Selection and notification of recipients will be completed by March 10, 2023. You can click on these links to read the application instructions and download an application form:

Scholarships are supported through the generous donations of BBC members. To donate, you can designate an amount on the “BBC Young Birder’s Scholarship” line on the back page of the club bulletin when you renew your membership or, especially for life members, at any other time you might wish to donate. You can donate online by clicking the Join link on the BBC home page and entering an amount in the box for “Additional Donation to the Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarship.” The BBC thanks members in advance for their donations.