For the Birds: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A few weeks ago our family got to visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York.

It’s a fun place to go to if you ever get a chance, especially if you are a bird lover or you enjoy nature.

That’s the main building across the water.

There are trails through the woods.

The trails can be wet in the spring, but they are well-maintained.

Of course, there are plenty of birds to observe. At the main building, the staff provides bird feeders so you can watch birds at any time of day.

Surprisingly, although they are known mostly for studying birds, the scientists at the lab also study a variety of other animals. Because they have pioneered sound recording of animals and now filming animal behavior, you will also find information about animals as diverse as frogs and whales. This promotional video gives you an idea of the variety of topics studied.

Although the video is quite loud and dynamic, we actually found our visit to be quiet and soothing.

Our final stop was to the gift shop. They carry a number of great nature books, including the exciting new children’s books about birds listed below. You might want pick up some of these books and read them to help get prepared for the trip. 🙂

	Bird Talk: What Birds Are Saying and Why by Lita Judge Reading level: Ages 6 and up Hardcover: 48 pages Publisher: Flash Point (March 13, 2012) ISBN-10: 1596436468 ISBN-13: 978-159643646
	Birds of a Feather by Bernadette Gervais and Francesco Pittau Hardcover: 18 pages Publisher: Chronicle Books; Pop edition (September 26, 2012) ISBN-10: 1452110662 ISBN-13: 978-1452110660
	For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Laura Jacques Reading level: Ages 8 and up Hardcover: 48 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (October 1, 2011) ISBN-10: 1590787641 ISBN-13: 978-1590787649
	Puffling Patrol by Ted Lewin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin Hardcover: 56 pages Publisher: Lee & Low Books (March 1, 2012) ISBN-10: 1600604242 ISBN-13: 978-1600604249
	Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 by Phillip Hoose (Author) Reading level: Ages 10 and up Hardcover: 160 pages Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (July 17, 2012) ISBN-10: 0374304688 ISBN-13: 978-0374304683 My review
	Alex the Parrot: No Ordinary Bird: A True Story by Stephanie Spinner Reading level: Ages 8 and up Hardcover: 48 pages Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 9, 2012) ISBN-10: 0375868461 ISBN-13: 978-0375868467
	Bring On the Birds by Susan Stockdale Reading level: Ages 4 and up Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (February 1, 2011) ISBN-10: 1561455601 ISBN-13: 978-1561455607 See what Susan Stockdale has to say about her book at STEM Friday.

Even if you can’t go in person, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a number of education and citizen scientist projects you can participate in no matter where you live. The Lab partners with other institutions for the Great Backyard Bird Count, which is a very child-friendly event. The next count is going to be Feb. 15-18, 2013, so be sure to put it on your calendar. (A previous post about the Great Backyard Bird Count with related activities).

Have you ever visited the Lab of Ornithology? If you go, we’d love to hear about your trip.

Edit: Archimedes Notebook has a wonderful interview with young Olivia Bouler, who wrote and illustrated Olivia’s Birds, about her book and her recent visit to the Lab of Ornithology.