Dr. Aparajita Choudhury of India received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2007.

At the time of her award, Dr. Aparajita Choudhury was a veterinary surgeon and was working as a Veterinary Officer at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Noida, near Delhi. Her work basically included neutering and vaccinating stray animals, as well as emergency rescues of sick or injured animals and birds. The SPCA there also handles cases of cruelty and illegal trade of animals. Dr. Choudry has had an interest in birds and nature since childhood and felt lucky to have grown up in the countryside. Her parents encouraged her to observe nature closely, identify birds and insects, and collect wildflowers and fossils. Her interest in animals and birds led her to become a veterinarian. Further on, her interest in emergency rescues and rehabilitation led her to do post-graduation studies in Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesia, with one-year of research in Canine Ophthalmology. Dr. Choudry also participated in a one year correspondence course with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) on ‘Basic awareness of Ornithology’, which concluded in October 2008.

Dr. Choudry has been on several bird watching trips to major birding hotspots in India, such as the Ramsar sites, Loktak, Chilka, and Pulicat Lakes, and Keoladeo Ghana National Park. She also networks with the Extension Departments of various Veterinary colleges of India to raise awareness about the near extinction of the Indian Vultures due to the use of the drug Diclophenac Sodium. Dr. Choudry applied for the Home Study Course Scholarship, because she felt that it would provide her with a broad-based, in-depth understanding of the birds of the world. In her role as a vet she is required to identify and treat exotic birds, as well as educate their owners (who are generally children) on their normal physiology, behavior and nutrition. The rescue and rehabilitation of illegally imported exotic or endandgered species is an issue that she expects to be associated with in future years. Her work also requires a good knowledge of the birds of the world and their natural habits and habitats. In addition, she is also interested in raising awareness about conservation and wildlife issues among the youth and especially in the veterinary community.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Dr. Choudry with the requisite training and information that she needed in order to fulfill and sustain her various roles.

Richard Elsam of England received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2007.

At the time of his award, Richard studied Agricultural Sciences at the National University of Asuncion and went on to do his postgraduate studies in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development with Imperial College - University of London. His interest in birds began while working on sustainable development projects with Guyra Paraguay, the local BirdLife International partner. During this time, Richard further developed his knowledge and interest in Paraguay’s avifauna and was able to contribute to the ornithological components of several other Guyra Paraguay projects. Amongst his achievements, Richard has compiled an illustrated ‘Guide to the Birds of the Humid Chaco’ as part of the results of a joint Darwin Initiative - Natural History Museum - Guyra Paraguay project in Paraguay and Argentina. He then went on to work as a consultant for UNDP and GEF funded sustainable development and climate change projects with Paraguay’s Ministry of the Environment, SEAM.

Richard has since moved to England where he has been taken on as an Agriculture Policy Research Assistant with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), while also helping out at ‘Aren’t Birds Brilliant’ public events in London, where the RSPB brings birds and people closer together. He also carried out research for BirdLife’s Caribbean Program and volunteered with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

Richard strongly feels that through effective research, policy and advocacy mechanisms, environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural development can work together to ensure enough food is produced for an ever-increasing global population, while having a minimal impact on the natural environment.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Richard with the opportunity to receive further formal training in ornithology while he continued to research more sustainable farming practices that were less damaging to birds and the environment at large. Richard has applied this knowledge in Paraguay where, in spite of a growing awareness and local interest in nature, unsustainable agricultural practices and misguided rural development continue to be strong potential threats to the environment.

Karim Kara of Kenya received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2007.

At the time of his award, Karim Kara resides in and was employed in Mombasa, Kenya. For several years he had been interested in Ornithology and volunteered with the Museums of Kenya/Nature Kenya, as well as Arocha Kenya for their bird counts and bird banding programs.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Karim with the chance to attain further knowledge regarding birds and bird studies. It added to the advantages that his previous and current experiences earned for him in the field outside the academic umbrella, and allowed him to project himself as a more experienced and professional Ornithologist in the field of conservation in his area of the world. Karim is hopeful that he will be able to continue to apply the knowledge gained from taking the course towards bringing harmony to the fading world of nature and the people that surround it.

Godfrey Thuranira M'mariu of Kenya received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2007.

At the time of his award, Godfrey Thuranira M'mariu was from Nairobi, Kenya. He volunteered at the Nairobi National Park in their research department as a Field Assistant. He attended Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute, where he earned a Diploma in Wildlife Management. He worked for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as a Research Officer, and was responsible for ecological monitoring; collecting, analyzing, and logging ecological data into a computer, and writing scientific reports. He has also worked at the National Museums of Kenya, Ornithology Department as a Research Associate. While at the National Museums, he assisted with bird identification and classification; collecting and analyzing specimens; cleaning and treatment of specimens; taxidermy; and assisted with various research projects.

Before Godfrey attended college, he says that he had little knowledge about birds, but through his Ornithology lecturer he developed an interest in avifauna identification and conservation, which ultimately led to him acquiring a deep love for the birds.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Godfrey with a chance to further his knowledge of birds and conservation.

Ursula Poole of New Zealand received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2007.

At the time of her award, Ursula Poole worked for the New Zealand government's Department of Conservation in the National Kakapo Team as a KPO (Kakapo Project Officer). She was based on two islands off the south coast of the south island, working to preserve the 86 remaining Kakapo (a flightless nocturnal parrot). In the previous decade she worked with many of New Zealand's rarest birds including the Okarito Kiwi, Takahe and Rock Wren, studying their behavior and trying to protect them from the many threats they face. Ursula hoped that the Home Study Course would teach her the fundamentals of Bird Biology which will help every aspect of her field work, from understanding bird behavior to knowing more about bird anatomy and physiology for performing research activities such as bleeding, measuring, or doing radio transmitter changes.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Ursula with a fantastic opportunity to study the course materials at home, since it is impossible for her to be able to attend university courses since she works offshore. Also, she says that at the time of her scholarhsip application, in her area of New Zealand, there were no courses dedicated to Bird Biology. Ursula is confident that the knowledge that she gained from taking the course will help her toward working on her own projects, as she believes that there is still so much to study about NZ birdlife.

Wanyoike Wamiti of Nairobi, Kenya received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2006.

At the time of his award, Wanyoike Wamiti was working as a research associate within the Department of Ornithology at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya, a diverse and dynamic organization that is actively involved in public education, collections management and research. Mr. Wamiti majored in Natural Resources Management at Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya, and has taken courses in environmental sustainability, waterbird ringing, bird and habitat monitoring, and bird census and surveying techniques.

Like so many people that incorporate birds into a career, Mr. Wamiti's interests in bird biology date back to his childhood, when he would capture doves, collect eggs and trap small animals. Wanyoike has been actively involved in bird research, conservation, education, and training activities at the local level for quite some time now, and aspires to provide more in-depth and scientifically informed answers to the inquisitive audience that he serves. He is currently trapping and sampling various native bird species to monitor the avian flu virus and collect other important data that will contribute to the sustainable management of local populations in the long run.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Mr. Wamiti with the opportunity to receive additional formal training in ornithology, encouragement to continue pursuing his professional aspirations in environmental research and help facilitate his efforts to develop and provide educational programming to children and adults alike in the Nairobi area.

Gerardo del Olmo of Delegacion Coyoacan, Mexico received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2006.

At the time of his award, Gerardo del Olmo was working as the Art and Investigation Director of the Bruja de Monte organization, which collaborates with the National Commission of Protected Areas (CONANP) - part of the Mexican Ministry of the Environment - on various projects dedicated to the conservation of birds.

Mr. del Olmo has many years of experience in creating and divulging scientific illustrations, and has spent time as a falconer and ecologist. Gerardo feels strongly that conservation efforts in the region of Mexico where he works are in need of more direct attention, so he created the Bruja de Monte organization to offer bird observation and conservation related workshops to the public. The organization has been well received in its service to educate the local public about the value and importance of habitat protection and bird conservation.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Mr. del Olmo with the opportunity to receive formal training in the science of ornithology and assist his important educational mission in an area that is anxious to learn how they may be better stewards of their environment.

James Quadrino of Staten Island, NY received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2006.

James Quadrino was our youngest (formal) HSC Scholarship recipient to date. At the time of his award, James was a student in the Advanced Scholars Program at Monsignor Farrell High School. He also serves the Lab of Ornithology in the New York City area as a local ambassador for the Birdhouse Network citizen science project. In addition, James acts as an educator at local park centers and has received several awards for his efforts in conservation, at both the local and national level. James was a proud recipient of The President's Environmental Youth Award in 2005 and received the Congressional Special Achievement Award from Congressman Vito Fossella.

James began developing his curiosity in birds and their habitats at the age of 11, when he started to read books about birds and learn their vocalizations. Eventually James began volunteering with a bird banding project in his area. Since then, he has visited several parks and bird conservation centers and has taken on many important responsibilities for such a young environmentalist. James maintains a special interest in cavity-nesting birds, which originally led him to inquire about the Birdhouse Network ambassador program.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided James Quadrino with the opportunity to receive formal training in ornithology and help bolster his ability to educate his community and get more people involved in his ongoing mission to preserve bird species and natural areas for future generations.

Jim O'Malley of Morton Grove, IL received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2006.

At the time of his award, Jim O'Malley was serving his community as a fourth-grade teacher at Thomas A. Edison Elementary School. Mr. O'Malley majored in Elementary Education at Northeastern Illinois University and has since devoted much of his life to educating kids about science. In order to become a more effective science instructor, Jim has participated in professional development programs offered by NASA, Fermilab, the National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA), Chicago Botanic Garden, Lake County Forest Preserves, and the College of Lake County.

Mr. O'Malley has steadily developed his interest in science and birds through time spent outdoors. He particularly enjoys hiking with his family, and often collects natural history specimens, such as owl pellets, with his daughter for use in various science experiments and class demonstrations.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Mr. O'Malley with the opportunity to receive formal training in ornithology, an investment that will help enable him to share his ever-increasing scientific knowledge with the students in his classroom.

Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh of Lagos, Nigeria received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2005.

At the time of her award, Rachel Ikemeh was working as an intern with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria, a non-governmental organization and BirdLife International partner founded in 1980 and committed to the conservation of natural resources through the support and advocacy of sound environmental policy and direct action. Ms. Ikemeh majored in public administration, with a special interest in international relations and also holds degrees in French studies, corporate computer training, catering and hotel management, as well as experience in teaching and broadcasting.

Ms. Ikemeh experienced a growing interest in birds and environmental issues through exposure from her previous work experience and eventually decided to change her career focus to become more involved in conservation efforts in Nigeria by establishing herself as an intern at NCF, where she is designing a project to monitor water birds in the Lekki Peninsula of Nigeria. The objectives of her project include creating greater awareness and concern about environmental issues among the general populace, advocating the importance of birds and their habitats to society, and ultimately providing basic knowledge about biodiversity loss to policy makers and promoting actions that encourage sustainable use of the environment.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Ms. Ikemeh with the opportunity to receive formal training in ornithology to continue her professional development and facilitate her efforts in carrying out the mission of the NCF.

Alexander Dzib of Celestún, Mexico received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2005.

At the time of his award, Alexander Dzib was working as a naturalist guide for interpretive nature trails at the Hotel Eco Paraiso, located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Mr. Dzib also volunteers for Niños y Crías, and devotes much of his free time to recording migratory bird movements through the Celestún area for Conservación de las Aves en la Penínsuala de Yucatán (CAPY), a collaborative effort among several private organizations dedicated to conserving birds throughout the Yucatán region. Mr. Dzib first became interested in birds by accompanying his father who was forced to seek new sources of income by taking tourists on excursions to observe large populations of flamingoes when Celestún was declared a nature refuge and hunting, his previous source of income, was declared forbidden.

Mr. Dzib further developed his interest in natural history when he received a scholarship in 1997 to receive formal training as a naturalist guide from RARE, an international organization who’s mission is to protect biodiversity by enabling local people to benefit from habitat conservation. Mr. Dzib has also worked with SEMARNAT, Mexico’s equivalent of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, teaching environmental education and bird watching. Furthermore, Mr. Dzib helped develop a program in Celestún, called “Changing Slingshots for Binoculars”, that introduces local kids to conservation issues by encouraging bird watching as an alternative to the widespread practice of shooting or trapping small birds for pleasure.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Mr. Dzib with the opportunity to receive formal training in ornithology and further his mission to educate his community and facilitate his contributions to conservation efforts in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Lufafa Godfrey of Uganda received a Home Study Course in Bird Biology Scholarship in 2004. He was the first person to receive this award.

At the time of his award, Lufafa Godfrey was working with Nature Uganda as a member and a volunteer. Nature Uganda is the operational unit of the East Africa Natural History Society (EANHS) in Uganda. EANHS is the oldest conservation NGO in East Africa. It was set up in 1909 as a scientific organization with the aim of documenting the diversity of wildlife in East Africa. EANHS activities in Uganda were rejuvenated in 1986 and the society was registered as a non-profit organization in 1995. Nature Uganda is the leading authority on the status of Uganda's birds and their habitats. Nature Uganda is a BirdLife International Partner.

Lufafa Godfrey has been an observer of birds since his early childhood, long before he knew that birdwatching was a popular hobby among people all over the world

Lufafa Godfrey's interest in birds increased while he was working as a nature guide and museum attendant at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It was at this time that he would begin developing a career that would allow him to work with birds and nature.

The Home Study Course Scholarship Program provided Mr. Godfrey with the opportunity to receive formal training in ornithology and further his mission to educate his community and facilitate his contributions to conservation efforts in Uganda.