The Lab is a non-profit membership institution whose mission is to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Cornell’s programs work with citizen scientists, government and non-government agencies across North America and beyond. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology believes that bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can and do make a difference.

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Sponsored Projects

Great Backyard Bird Count

Since 1998 the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society have managed and overseen the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) throughout North America. The GBBC program is part of BirdSource, which is jointly managed by Cornell and the society. Individuals, families and community groups can participate in the bird count, which occurs each February, by tracking the birds they see at their feeders and in their backyards, local parks and other outdoor locations. This information will help define bird ranges, populations, migration pathways and habitat needs, and ultimately help with bird conservation. Wild Birds Unlimited is a major sponsor of this event and BirdSource.

Project FeederWatch

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology operates Project FeederWatch in partnership with the National Audubon Society, Bird Studies Canada and Canadian Nature Federation. The program relies on volunteers to count birds at their backyard feeders once every two weeks from November to April. The information helps scientists gain a better understanding of population trends and movements of birds and helps develop an awareness of North American feeder bird conservation efforts. Wild Birds Unlimited is a sponsor of this project.

The Birdhouse Network Nest Box Cam

The Nest Box Cam is part of NestWatch, which is an organization that focuses on monitoring birds using birdhouses or nest boxes in backyards and neighborhoods across North America. Participants gather information such as the number of eggs and young in the nest, and the data is used in scientific research to help answer ecological questions about bird populations. The Nest Box Cam uses Internet technology and miniature video cameras placed inside various nesting locations to record nesting behavior and promote understanding of birds' breeding biology. Wild Birds Unlimited sponsors this program.