Join Us at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Together, let's embark on a lifelong journey to enjoy, understand, and protect birds and the natural world.

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Bufflehead by Dorian Anderson / Macaulay Library

Science and Innovation

The Cornell Lab is powered by science, technology, and millions of people around the globe—people like you.

Map showing positive trends in the midwest into Canada and negative trends in the northeast — eBird Status and Trend Maps reveal how birds are faring across continental scales. Explore the map for Baltimore Oriole.

orange and black bird perches on a branch — Baltimore Oriole by Matthew Plante / Macaulay Library.

Join us and help create a future where birds, nature, and people can thrive.

People Power

We believe that people make the difference in every conservation challenge. Through participatory science projects, practical conservation actions, and broad partnerships, we offer limitless ways for you to deepen your interests and passions.

Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds
Find and monitor nests to help track success in the family lives of birdsNestWatch
Take an online course to transform your understanding of birdsBird Academy
Watch wild birds from around the worldBird Cams
What’s that bird? Merlin Bird ID helps you find outMerlin
Enjoy birds at your feeder and share your observationsProject FeederWatch
Use eBird to save your birding memories and contribute needed dataeBird
Connect with birds in your community with science, art, and eventsCelebrate Urban Birds
Explore sights and sounds of animals from around the worldMacaulay Library
Teach about birds with inquiry-based activities and curriculaK–12 Education
Make your passion for birds part of your college studiesStudent Resources
Find resources for young birdersYoung Birders Network

Science to Action

We work with communities around the globe to inspire and inform conservation. Your support helps us find solutions for a sustainable planet alive with the beauty of birds—where humans and wildlife can thrive.

Education

We believe birds are a gateway to caring for the natural world. Help us spark curiosity and foster learning, starting with the earliest ages, through the college years, and lasting a lifetime. Our work aims to inspire and equip the next generation of science and conservation leaders.

Golden-crowned Kinglet flying vertically — Golden-crowned Kinglet by Ezra J. Campanelli / Macaulay Library

Girl using a magnifying glass to inspect moss and a plant — Golden-crowned Kinglet by Ezra J. Campanelli / Macaulay Library

Visit the Lab

Experience the Visitor Center’s NEW interactive indoor exhibits, view world class art, and explore 5 miles of trails in Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.

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Magazine

Latest stories from our quarterly member magazine, Living Bird.

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Membership fuels discoveries to make the planet a better place for birds, for all wildlife, and for people.

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Photo credits: Wood Thrush by John Petruzzi / Macaulay Library with graphic by Sarah Serrousi; Tree Swallow by Marie Read; Yellow Warbler courtesy of Bird Academy; birds on feeder by Bird Cams; Northern Cardinal by Bob Dunlap / Macaulay Library; Golden-fronted Woodpecker by Marcy Barbosa / BirdSpotter; three young birders courtesy of eBird; boy with ducks courtesy of CUBs; Calliope Hummingbird by Marya Moosman / Macaulay Library; children with binoculars by Susan Spear; students at Cornell Botanical Gardens by Justin Muir; young birders in woods courtesy of eBird; elephant by Scott Anger/Lost Bird Films; coffee beans in hand by Gustave Axelson; Philippine Eagle by Neil Rettig; Cornell Lab in fall by Dimitri Ponirakis; boardwalk in autumn by Tim Gallagher; girl with notebook courtesy of the Cornell Lab; composite of a hovering Green-breasted Mango by Jesús Antonio Moo Yam; aerial photos of burned landscape by Michael Sweeney; Purple Martins by Alex Eberts / Macaulay Library; Golden-cheeked Warbler by Bryan Calk / Macaulay Library.

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Golden-cheeked Warbler by Bryan Calk/Macaulay Library