Lessons and Curricula
Free Lessons
From monthly bird-inspired lessons to full inquiry-based curricula, BirdSleuth lessons encourage students to get outside to explore science through birds and local habitat.
Download free lessons.
Kits
BirdSleuth kits and resources encourage 3-8th grade students in classrooms, out of school programs, and beyond to engage in STEM learning by participating in citizen science projects and exploring local habitat. Kits make teaching the lessons easy and fun.
Videos
Inspire, motivate, and engage your students with
free online videos highlighting exciting young conservation scientists and their research.
Resources for International Educators
We strive to connect kids to birds in Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond with resources provided in both
Spanish and
English.
Articles
Visit BirdSleuth’s blog to find information and resources related to:
• Citizen Science
• Bird Identification
• Bird Biology
• Outdoor Learning
Learn Online
Bird Academy
Explore free and premium content on topics ranging from bird identification to bird song and behavior. Explore free and premium content on topics ranging from bird identification to bird song and behavior. Bird Academy offers new ways to learn about the world of birds through courses, videos, interactives, puzzles, quizzes and more. Whether you’re in the mood for browsing videos of wild bird behavior or ready to dive into learning all the duck species in your area, Bird Academy is here to help.
">Bird Academy offers new ways to learn about the world of birds through courses, videos, interactives, puzzles, quizzes and more. Whether you’re in the mood for browsing videos of wild bird behavior or ready to dive into learning all the duck species in your area, Bird Academy is here to help.
Webinars
Browse our list of upcoming and archived
webinars.
Media Library
Select from more than 100 free videos, articles, quizzes, and interactive activities in the
media library.
Learn at HomeOrnithology: Comprehensive Bird Biology
At your own pace, learn about bird behavior, migration, ecology, conservation, and many other subjects. Learn college-level ornithology using the Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd edition, along with custom media elements and rigorous quizzes for each chapter. Over the past 20 years, more than 10,000 bird enthusiasts and budding ornithologists have used previous versions of this course to transform their understanding of birds. Comparable to an introductory college level course in Ornithology, this course is well suited for anyone with a serious interest in learning more about birds.
Find out more.
Learn at the LabSpring Field Ornithology
James Hendrickson/GBBC
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder, you can take your bird ID skills to the next level with this popular
eight-week course. Select from lectures in person or online, weekend outings, and special overnight trips to birding hotspots. Topics covered include identification tips, breeding bird biology, bird song, migration, and much more.
Monday Night Seminars
The Cornell Lab hosts seminars throughout the year, including our long-running Monday Night Seminar series, a tradition established decades ago by Lab founder Dr. Arthur Allen. Speakers include Cornell Lab staff, book authors, and distinguished scientists from around the world. Tours
Join Lab staff for a
special building tour where you will learn about the history and work of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as you are guided behind the scenes for an inside look at this 100-year-old institution.
Bird Walks
Join local birders for a walk in the woods guaranteed to improve your birding skills. Led by Cayuga Bird Club members and Lab staff walks will provide you with information on local species and Lab tools that can help you improve your bird ID skills.
Check the schedule.
Get Outside
BirdSleuth Explorer’s Guidebook
Get outdoors and explore with this free resource! Kids go on a habitat scavenger hunt, create a sound map, and test their bird ID skills. This step-by-step guide is the result of a partnership with the “Every Kid in a Park” effort. Though it is geared toward fourth grade students, it is highly adaptable for many ages and locations. Learn more.
Games
Bird Song HeroThis is the new, visual way for anyone to learn bird songs. Train your brain to recognize more than 50 bird songs with this fun matching game.
Educational CardsBird BINGO, habitat scavenger hunt, and bird ID focus cards can make outdoor learning and exploring fun and engaging.
Plan Your Visit
Individuals and Families
Explore interactive exhibits and world-class art in our Visitor Center, and head outside to four miles of trails in our surrounding Sapsucker Woods sanctuary.
More information.
Group Visits
The Lab is a great destination for groups of all ages. Your group can have fun while learning from our introductory film, exhibits, indoor wildlife observation area, and trails in the surrounding Sapsucker Woods sanctuary. Make your reservation today!
Learn more.
Learn Bird IDBird Walks
You can join local birders for a walk in the woods guaranteed to improve your birding skills. Led by Cayuga Bird Club members and Lab staff walks will provide you with information on local species and Lab tools that can help you improve your bird ID skills.
Check the schedule.
Spring Field Ornithology
James Hendrickson/GBBC
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder, you can take your bird ID skills to the next level with this popular eight-week course. Select from lectures in person or online, weekend outings, and special overnight trips to birding hotspots. Topics covered include identification tips, breeding bird biology, bird song, migration, and much more.
.
Learn About the LabBuilding Tours
You may join Lab staff for a
special building tour where you will learn about the history and work of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as you are guided behind the scenes for an inside look at this 100-year-old institution.
Programs and EventsMonday Night Seminars
Throughout the year, the Cornell Lab hosts seminars, including our long-running
Monday Night Seminar series, a tradition established decades ago by Lab founder Dr. Arthur Allen. Speakers include Cornell Lab staff, book authors, and distinguished scientists from around the world.
Migration Celebration
This family-friendly event gives visitors the unique opportunity to meet Lab staff and scientists right where they work, join in guided bird walks, and enjoy interactive exhibits, live birds, games, face-painting, and hands-on activities.
Read more.