Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
1-800-843-BIRD (1-800-843-2473)
clo_events@cornell.edu
Request a reservation (for groups of 10 or more).
The Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary is open every day, dawn to dusk.
Visitor Center Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Saturday: 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Sunday: 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Hours may change due to special events. We are closed on some holidays.
Holiday Hours
Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and December 24-January 1. Open 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Open until 4:00 P.M. November 23.
Adelson Library Hours
Monday-Friday: 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Where to Stay
Located just minutes away from the Cornell Lab, the Courtyard by Marriott offers Lab visitors special reduced rates. This rate is based on availability and subject to change. Free shuttle service is available to and from the Cornell Lab by appointment on the hour from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Please call 866-541-3600 and ask for the Lab of Ornithology visitors' rate, or visit the Courtyard by Marriott website.
Admission is free. We appreciate donations and member support to help with trail maintenance and local outreach programs.
Sapsucker Woods is a beautiful place to visit in any season. The 230-acre sanctuary encompasses forests, ponds, ferny swamps, and abundant wildlife. More than four miles of trails and boardwalks are waiting for you to explore. Stop in to our Visitor Center for tips on where to go and to borrow a pair of binoculars; join a guided bird walk; or download a trail map and checklist and explore on your own.
Trail Map and Checklist
Seasonal Trail Guides
These colorful, illustrated trail guides help you keep an eye out for some common, plants, birds, and other animals typical of each of the four seasons.
Local Bird Sightings
More than 200 bird species have been recorded in Sapsucker Woods. When you visit, you can check the latest reports on the eBird Trail Tracker kiosk in the Visitor Center. Or you can download the Google gadget and read the latest sightings on your iGoogle home page.
If you live in the Ithaca area, you might want to join the Cayuga Bird Club to learn more about bird watching in the Cayuga Basin. Before your visit, you can keep track of what’s being reported in and around Sapsucker Woods by reading the Cayugabirds list serve.
Birds of Sapsucker Woods