Search for Lost Birds / 5 Oct 2026
In 2026, we launched the Ornis x Lost Birds Expedition Grant in collaboration with Ornis Birding Expeditions. Open to birders around the world aged 18-30 these grants of up to $5,000 supported people to go on expeditions to search for one of the species on the lost birds list.
The first round included five incredible winners. Two of the grantees, James Apolloh Omenya who went to look for Red Weaver in Kenya and Casper Leygraaf who together with Danny Bregman, Lonnie Bregman, Joep Duijvestijn and Cornel Schepers searched for lost birds in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, have already wrapped up their expeditions. Both had incredible success. James rediscovered his target Red Weaver and Casper and the team found no less than three lost birds on New Ireland (see their personal accounts of each expedition here and here). The remaining three projects are still underway, so undoubtedly more exciting results will come soon!
For 2027, we are opening up the Ornis x Lost Birds Expedition Grants to a second round of applications. As before, the grants are open to young birders around the world age 18-30 and provide funds of up to $5,000. There are also two exciting additions for the 2027 grants.
First, Storytelling Grants – if you are interested in lost birds but do not want to plan a field expedition, we have a new opportunity with storytelling grants. These are targeted at young writers, communicators, photographers/videographers, and researchers who want to help share stories and content related to lost birds.
Second, suggested Target Species – if you are struggling to decide which lost bird to focus on, we have suggested a list of target species that we believe are feasible and interesting to search for this coming year. This list is not restrictive. You can still apply for any of the currently lost bird species, but we think these twenty or so are particularly good options. (Remember: If you decide to select a species not among the targets, it needs to be on the lost birds list. We cannot fund projects to look for birds that are not currently lost.)
Visit the grant website to apply now.
We look forward to your applications and seeing what birds you will rediscover in 2027!