Nature Abounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Image credit: Diane Tessaglia-Hymes
Nestled not far from Cortland is one of the most well known places in the world for studying birds and the natural world (they study elephants and whales here too!). Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology focus much of their efforts on conservation and they involve “Citizen Scientists” (the public) in many aspects of their work. Located on Sapsucker Woods Rd in Ithaca, the lab has vast resources for learning all about birds. Many will attest that just walking in and around this place, will bring a sense of peace and joy.
Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Visitor Center is now closed and programs are cancelled for the time being. But the outdoor trails are open to the public.
The lab is home to amazing online resources. We highlight just a few of them below. Visit their website; https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/visit/ to access a wealth of information.
Merlin Bird ID:
Merlin Bird ID has a free app you can download that will allow you to identify every bird you see by answering several simple questions. Learn about the birds in your backyard with this fun and easy to use tool.
Explore Live Bird Cams:
Check out the many live streams, such as what the birds are currently doing at the Lab of O, or view the nearby red-tailed Hawks, the Osprey’s in Savannah, GA or go straight to Texas and see what’s going on there with some hummingbirds, and more.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/
Participate in Citizen Science projects where you contribute to the knowledge that is gained. Some examples are:
Project Nestwatch:
Project Nestwatch is a nation-wide effort that looks at trends in bird breeding. By observing the nesting patterns around us, you can contribute to science. You can even become a Certified Nestwatcher. Go to https://nestwatch.org for more information.
Project Feederwatch is a winter-long observational study of birds. https://feederwatch.org
Find answers to your questions: If you’ve already had the chance to explore their website, you have probably discovered the vast number of resources and information that exists there. You will most likely come across answers to the many questions you may have like: What should I do if I find a baby bird on the ground? Should I be cleaning out my bird/nest house? What species of birds migrate here in the Spring? Do we have the same birds in other parts of the world like in New Zealand or Costa Rica, or are they all different?
To find the answers to your questions and so much more, make sure to visit to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology!