Zepko Audubon Camp Scholarship
The Connecticut Ornithological Association is pleased to announce that we will again offer one Zepko Audubon Camp Scholarship to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2025 Scholarship will cover the full cost for TWO TEENS to attend the Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens. The cost includes housing, boat travel and all meals. Scholarship recipient will be responsible for transportation costs to and from camp.
This intensive 6-day, 5-night program on Hog Island allows enthusiastic young birders to work with some of the country’s best known birders and ornithologists on field identification, bird ecology and conservation. Occurring concurrently with the adult Field Ornithology and Hands-on Bird Science sessions, and sharing many of the same instructors, this program includes the unique opportunity to see Audubon’s seabird restoration work in action.
Applicants must be a resident of Connecticut, ages 14-17, and must submit a written application along with two letters of reference. Preferences will be given to applicants with individual or family COA memberships. Completed applications and references must be received by the COA by Jan. 31, 2025 .
If you know a young birder who is available for either Session 1 (6/8/25 – 6/13/25) or Session 2 (6/15/25 –6/20/25) and may be interested please pass this information along.
Visit https://hogisland.audubon.org/bird-studies-teens for more information about Hog Island.
Contact Jo Fasciolo at jo_fasciolo@msn.com for more information about this opportunity.
A legacy is often described as something (or someone) that has a long-lasting impact. George W. Zepko (1936-2021) certainly made created a legacy “through significant and lasting contributions to the appreciation, study, and conservation of birds in Connecticut”. A founding member of the COA, he was integral to Connecticut’s first Breeding Bird Atlas studies, as well as a long-term monitor of the state-endangered Barn Owl.
At 19 years old, he was awarded a scholarship to the Nature Study Camp (now the Hog Island Audubon Camp). The life-changing experiences he was given while there drove him to continue studying birds and to eventually establish the George W. Zepko Audubon Camp Scholarship. He had a strong interest in encouraging young birders – from allowing them to help in birding banding to mentorships to establishing the Scholarship.
“George Zepko’s insightful philosophy, wise counsel, gentle sense of humor, and steadfast friendship continue to be treasured by those who knew him.” – Stephen Broker
The Connecticut Ornithological Association is honored to continue his legacy.
2024 Recipient: Cristina Buccieri
From Cristina:
Thank you so much for selecting me to attend the Hog Island Coastal Maine Studies Bird Camp. It was truly the most incredible place I have ever been. I had incredible instructors, amazing activities and so much more, from bird banding to traveling to “Eastern Egg Rock!
I was completely amazed. The terns and puffins were astonishing. And I still can’t believe I was so lucky. Over this trip, I made so many friends. I learned so much, and I witnessed gorgeous birds. It is so cool to see that one person can create such a difference, and that because of some people and hard work puffins were brought back to Eastern Egg. Thank you again so, so much.
