The Avicultural Society

Aims and Background

Raymond Sawyer (1924 – 2012) was probably the best-known British aviculturist of his generation. Learning his craft as a young man, he became a very successful exhibitor and later breeder of many difficult species. His large and varied collection and beautifully designed and presented aviaries were an inspiration to many younger aviculturists. He was President of The Avicultural Society from 2007 until his death.

The Avicultural Society would like to ensure that Raymond’s legacy continues to inspire young aviculturists and help them to develop their skills. It has therefore established the Raymond Sawyer Scholarship, which will be funded from Raymond’s generous bequest to the society. It will support one young birdkeeper each year on one of the excellent avian courses run by the Durrell Conservation Academy at the world famous Durrell Wildlife Park on Jersey, and will be awarded in partnership with The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Cage & Aviary Birds magazine.

Applications will be open to amateur aviculturists, professional birdkeepers at zoos or other institutions, or aspiring birdkeepers studying animal management with a view to developing a career in aviculture. The Avicultural Society is an international organisation, and applications will be welcome from anywhere in the world. The society is particularly keen to nurture the talents of a younger generation of aviculturists, so the scholarship is open exclusively to applicants under 25 years of age.

Rules

The scholarship will be awarded annually at the discretion of The Avicultural Society.

The scholarship will be awarded to one student under the age of 25 at the time of the course. Application will be open to amateur, professional or student aviculturists living anywhere in the world.

The scholarship will cover course fees and accommodation charges at the Durrell Academy. If the student does not wish to take advantage of accommodation at Durrell, the scholarship will cover course fees only. No payment will be made for travel or other expenses.

The scholarship will include one year’s membership of the Avicultural Society.

The scholarship will fund attendance at either the “Conservation Breeding and Husbandry of Birds” course or the “Avian Egg Incubation” workshop at the Durrell Conservation Academy. Should both courses run in the same year, The Avicultural Society will decide which course the scholarship will apply to. Should neither course run, any award for attendance on an alternative course shall be at the discretion of The Avicultural Society.

Applications must be made to Cage & Aviary Birds magazine. The editor will draw up a shortlist of suitable applicants. The successful applicant will be chosen from this list in consultation with representatives of The Durrell Conservation Academy and The Avicultural Society.

Applications must be made on the official application form and must be received by the published closing date. The application form is available to download at www.cageandaviarybirds.co.uk. Please print, complete and return to the address on the form.