The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution whose mission is to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. A serious scientific institution, their research projects explore the causes and consequences of variation in the distribution, abundance, and survival success of birds. The lab is also internationally known for its work in bioacoustics.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology touches the lives of most birders through its Citizen Science programs. People all across North America participate in different birdwatches and feederwatches. Even more popular are programs co-sponsored by the National Audubon Society like the Great Backyard Bird Count. This nonprofit organization also reaches out to the public through wide range of bird-related seminars, activities and publications, including the outstanding Living Bird magazine and the Birdscope newsletter.

On a lighter note, the Lab’s birding brain trust, Team Sapsucker, is a perennial contender in the World Series of Birding (a post for another day!)

If you are interested in making a contribution to bird conservation and would like to receive the Lab’s award-winning magazine, perhaps you’d like to join.