A Gift Guide for Bird Lovers

This season, are you looking to encourage an aspiring birder or delight a seasoned naturalist? Check out our gift guide! We’ve collected these thoughtful gift ideas that spark curiosity, encourage people to get outdoors, and support bird conservation. You’ll find something here that’s suitable for any age and experience level! Plus, your purchase helps the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s mission to understand and protect birds all around our world.

Cornell Lab Membership

A year of the award-winning Living Bird magazine, discounts on courses and projects, and access to the latest birding news in our monthly Benefits Bulletin. Memberships start at $44/year and include a printable gift card. Order a gift membership online.

For the Lifelong Learners

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird © Michiel Oversteegen / Macaulay Library.

Bird Academy Courses

Self-paced, online courses for beginners through advanced birders. Topics range from species identification to nature photography and bird appreciation. Not only are Bird Academy courses packed with tools and expert resources, they are also on sale for the holidays!
Golden-crowned Kinglet by Bryan Calk / Macaulay Library.

BirdWise Subscription

Gift one whole year of personalized bird ID quizzes covering 640+ species in the U.S. and Canada! Perfect for aspiring naturalists to build their confidence, photo quizzes can be customized for specific habitats and help track important birding milestones. Gift cards arrive by email with an optional personal note. Be BirdWise!
Torrent Duck © Wentao Yang / Macaulay Library.

Birds of the World

The definitive reference for dedicated bird lovers, Birds of the World is the Lab’s premium resource. This groundbreaking tool offers comprehensive life history details on every bird species and family in the world, including dynamic range maps, photos, videos, and sounds! Save 20% with an annual subscription of $49; use code FORTHEBIRDS for discount (valid through Jan. 30, 2026).

For the List-Makers

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch © Lorie Shaull / Macaulay Library.

Give the Gift of FeederWatch

Contribute to real scientific research by counting birds from your own neighborhood! Project FeederWatch encourages quiet connections with nature and makes birdwatching fun for all ages. Become a seasonal participant for $18 and receive access to the mobile app, a double-sided poster of common feeder birds, a calendar, and annual results based on your participation that arrive directly in your inbox. More about FeederWatch.

For the Cozy Birders

Photo courtesy of Birds and Beans.

Bird-Friendly Coffee

Enjoy your morning brew while directly supporting bird conservation and protecting vital habitat around the world. Birds & Beans are Certified Smithsonian Bird Friendly, USDA Organic, and Fair Trade. Choose from six different roasts!
Photo courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited.

Bird-Feeding Supplies from Wild Birds Unlimited

Stock up on all your backyard bird needs with Wild Birds Unlimited, long-time supporter of the Cornell Lab! Shop online or in person at one of their 350+ locations nationwide.

Know Before You Buy: Our Guides to Birding Products

Photo by Susan Spear.

How to Find the Right Binoculars

With so many binocular options and prices on the market, how do you know which one is the right investment for you? Let our binocular purchase guide and in-depth reviews help you level up your birding!
Downy Woodpecker by Cheryl
Taylor / Macaulay Library.

How to Choose the Best Bird Feeders

Transform your backyard into a popular hangout spot with a bird feeder! The right feeder will not only attract regular visitors, it may also attract rare species. What is the right feeder for your outdoor space?

Free Resources for You and the Birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch by Danielle A / Macaulay Library.

Build Them a Birdhouse

Not all birdhouses are the same. Find out which birds you can build a nest box for where you live! Download our free expert guides for everything you need to know, including how to make your own nest boxes, dealing with unwanted guests, and ensuring your birdhouse offers a safe, cozy space for its occupants.
Image © Bird Academy / Cornell Lab.

Turn Screen Time Into Bird Time

Dive into one of our family-friendly, bite-sized (and free) games! Level up your bird song ID skills, learn the fascinating science of feathers, and even DJ your own wildlife music with the Bird Academy Play Lab. Or take the whole adventure off-screen and go on one of our K-12 Nature Quests with the whole family!
Northern Cardinals share the seeds at the Cornell Lab FeederWatch Cam.

Enjoy Our Bird Cams Any Time of the Day or Year

Travel the world with our Bird Cams! Watch cardinals in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in Ithaca, New York, marvel at glittering hummingbirds in Panama, and check in on hawks, Ospreys, albatrosses, and more throughout the year—all free to watch!