Spring Field Ornithology Update

Established in 1998
Record number of checklists submitted in 2010: 96,200
Bird reported on the most checklists in 2011: Northern Cardinal
Number of participants: approximately 60-65,000

The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place February 17-20, 2012.

We like to say that the Great Backyard Bird Count is as easy as 1-2-3. Here are the basics if you're planning to participate for the first time:

1. Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count. Count longer if you want to!

2. Tally the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time. Optional: Print your regional bird checklist to get an idea of the kinds of birds you're likely to see in your area in February.

3. When you're finished, enter your checklists on the GBBC website (Note, data entry will not be available until the count begins on February 17). Enter a new list for each day and for each new location where you count. The deadline for data submission is March 5.

Everything you need to know about the GBBC can also be found on the main website: www.birdcount.org. There's no cost to participate and no registration required.

Explore the results of previous counts, get tips on tricky bird IDs, play bird games, and enjoy the beautiful bird images submitted every year for the GBBC photo contest.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.

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Spring Field Ornithology Update

November 29, 2018

For 42 years, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Spring Field Ornithology course has connected hundreds of people with birds and birding here in the Cayuga Basin and beyond, thanks to instructor Steve Kress, dedicated staff members, and trip leaders who have made this course possible year after year. We’re now working to deliver a course that continues to serve our community here in the Ithaca area and that expands to serve as a model for others across the continent. Spring Field Ornithology will be on pause in 2019 as we develop the updated course, which will launch 2020. Meanwhile, participants will still be able to take the online course.

If you have taken the course, we would appreciate your thoughts and feedback through our survey.

FAQs

Why are you reenvisioning Spring Field Ornithology now?

Spring Field Ornithology has been immensely popular through the decades. We are committed to serving students and our local community while also looking into opportunities to expand the experiences we offer through online learning, potentially paired with field trips in a model that other nature centers, museums, and birding clubs could adapt in their communities across the country. As we embark on our new strategic plan focused on service and impact, we will welcome feedback from past and potential Spring Field Ornithology students as part of our reenvisioning to meet their interests and needs.

Why are you pausing the course in 2019 instead of keeping the course going while you reenvision it for 2020?

Because we have such a small staff who are working year round on many local and national education and outreach initiatives in addition to Spring Field Ornithology, we would not have the time to do justice to the course unless we pause it this year. We recognize that many people will be disappointed to miss out on the lectures and field trips this year. Our online Spring Field Ornithology course will continue to be available for free to 2018 alums, and will be open to registration for new students. We also hope you will join us when the new course is rolled out in 2020!

How can I help?

If you are an alum of Spring Field Ornithology, we welcome your feedback. Please take our survey. Thank you!