?Rara Avis? is the latest work by Bermudian filmmaker Lucinda Spurling. The documentary will focus on the once-thought-extinct Bermuda Cahow.

The film is still in production and although Ms Spurling has received financial backing for her work, she needs a further $190,000 in order to complete it.

Although many of us know the story of the bird long thought extinct, Ms Spurling said she felt people all over the world would be interested.

The Bermuda Petrel or Cahow was thought to be extinct for 300 years until former Bermuda Conservation Officer, Dr. David Wingate, discovered 18 pairs nesting at Castle Harbour between 1951 and 1961.

?The film will create a sense of pride and heritage in the community,? Dr. Wingate said.

Director of the Department of Conservation Services, Jack Ward said the film will ?highlight the need for sustained commitment to preserve our Island?s unique natural heritage?.

Ms Spurling said: ?To make a documentary about a Bermudian natural resource is a great way to feature Bermuda to an international audience.?

Her film ?St. David?s: An Island Near Bermuda? was screened four times at last week?s Bermuda Film Festival.

?Rara Avis? is due to be completed in 2006.