Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Non-profit organization · Lansing ·

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Non-profit organization · Lansing ·

Bird research, conservation, and citizen science with trails

Information

159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 Get directions

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Cornell Lab of Ornithology

"Birds are a big deal in Ithaca, and it's not because of the number of Canadian geese choosing to winter here. Ithaca is home to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a world leader dedicated to the study and conservation of birds. The organization boasts 90,000 friends and members and engages 400,000 participants in their citizen-science programs. From building the world’s most comprehensive online archive of audio and video recordings of animal biodiversity to creating bird identifying apps – the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is an Ithaca and global treasure. The striking visitors' center sits firmly in the middle of a 230-acre sanctuary - stop in to collect a map of the 4+ miles of trails, to borrow binoculars, and to see the recently completed "Wall of Birds" mural, painted by artist Jane Kim. Each of the 271 birds featured is life-sized and painted in brilliant color; she’s ambitiously been painting a bird a day since 2014. The observatory overlooking Sapsucker Woods pond is the perfect place to meet a friend - bring coffee and watch the bird feeding garden. Admission is free, public educational events are frequent and terrific – and don’t skip taking a second to browse the gift shop – it’s hard to resist all that great Charley Harper merch!" - St. John Design Group

https://onthegrid.city/ithaca/the-hills-east-south-west/cornell-lab-of-ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Hills East South West. Birds are a big deal in Ithaca, and it's not because of the number of Canadian geese choosing to winter here. Ithaca is home to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a world leader dedicated to the study and conservation of birds. The organization boasts 90,000 friends and members and engages 400,000 participants in their citizen-science programs. From building the world’s most comprehensive online archive of audio and video recordings of animal biodiversity to creating bird identifying apps – the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is an Ithaca and global treasure. The striking visitors' center sits firmly in the middle of a 230-acre sanctuary - stop in to collect a map of the 4+ miles of trails, to borrow binoculars, and to see the recently completed "Wall of Birds" mural, painted by artist Jane Kim. Each of the 271 birds featured is life-sized and painted in brilliant color; she’s ambitiously been painting a bird a day since 2014. The observatory overlooking Sapsucker Woods pond is the perfect place to meet a friend - bring coffee and watch the bird feeding garden. Admission is free, public educational events are frequent and terrific – and don’t skip taking a second to browse the gift shop – it’s hard to resist all that great Charley Harper merch!"

Ithaca

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Kirk S.

Google

Always a fun way to spend a few hours when in the Ithaca area. The interactive museum installations were so enjoyable. I recommend the trail/walk around the pond when visiting

Telephone

Google

I recently visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and it was such a wonderful experience! The trails around the Sapsucker Woods are beautiful and peaceful, with so many amazing birdwatching spots. I saw a wide variety of birds, and it was great to use the scopes and guides to spot new species. The visitor center is also fantastic, with tons of interesting exhibits and information about birds. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and you can really tell they care about making the experience special for everyone. There’s also a small gift shop with cool birding gear and souvenirs. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just looking for a nice place to walk and relax, Cornell Lab of Ornithology is definitely worth a visit. It’s a hidden gem in Ithaca, and I highly recommend it!

Kathy C.

Google

If there were more than 5 stars we would have gladly given them! Arriving yesterday with 2 bird-loving enthusiasts, we were warmly welcomed by Rachel who was incredible! She was waiting to greet the eldest bird lover, my mother. At the age of 102, Catherine had the best time recognizing the variety of birds, while Rachel showed us some of the hands on displays. Rachel's kindness and genuine interest in making Catherine's experience a positive one was beyond what we ever expected. Thank you, to the staff and especially Peter Leipzig and to Rachel for bringing so much joy to someone who has dedicated her life in helping others.

Nicole G.

Google

Lots of different trails to walk. So many different kinds of birds and wildlife. Interesting to see the different things Cornell is doing. They have a whole area that has a fence. They are seeing how deer affect habitats. worth checking out. They have an observation area inside. As well as a gift store and learning areas.

Ubaya M.

Google

A world-renowned hub for bird research, conservation, and citizen science, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology blends cutting-edge science with public engagement. Located in a beautiful sanctuary near Ithaca, New York, it offers visitors stunning trails, birdwatching opportunities, and interactive exhibits. I was fortunate to visit and interact with some of the staff members and visitors, making the experience even more inspiring. Whether you’re a scientist, birder, or nature lover, it’s a wonderful place to explore the wonders of birds and biodiversity.

Emerald M.

Google

Incredible trails with a lot to see! No pets allowed so there was no disturbances to the abundant wildlife. The indoor center has a hands on learning lab, a library, and binoculars to check out for use on the trails.

Caitlyn A.

Google

Fun museum about birds, the front desk lady was so awesome about explaining everything. They offer binoculars to borrow to view the birds and ducks in the water out front. There is hiking options, but it was pretty cold when I was there. There’s a theatre room with different short videos about different birds. Many interactive activities for kids and adults. Don’t forget to go upstairs! This was a cool experience.

Rebecca M.

Google

Bucket list! Love this place! The exhibit on the evolution of bird illustrations was remarkable. And, we got to see THE bird feeder...if you know, you know!!

Mickey O.

Yelp

Nice viewing area inside the building, with provided spotting scopes. The girl behind the welcome center desk was nice and friendly. We did NOT see much in the way of wildlife or birds, like we had hoped we would. That could be from the time of year I suppose. I'm sure the place is teaming with wildlife in the fall months. The biggest complaint/suggestion I would give to the people that run it is to have a BETTER system for marking the trails. There are maps at trail intersections, but they are VERY confusing. EVERY time we thought we knew where we were going, we NEVER ended up in the right spot (and I'm a seasoned veteran of woodsmanship for over 50 years!). PLEASE COLOR CODE the trails to help people ensure they are on the CORRECT trail. Some areas we saw twice, other areas we missed. Not sure about when we might return.

Linda O.

Yelp

Looking for something to do on a sunny day? This is the place! Great walking trails, well maintained and easy walking. Lots of bird activity so bring your binoculars. The visitor center has some very interesting and interactive displays as well as a lovely gift shop.

PJ C.

Yelp

Wow the Lab's visitor center is beautiful. We really enjoyed the giant murals of the birds in the atrium - there are guides for both. Ask at the front desk for the one that explains the "numbered" birds. You can bird watch with free scopes from chairs from the comfort of the building if you choose not to take one of the many hikes around the grounds. We went for a relatively short walk around the pond closest to the visitor center. Didn't see many birds but not a surprise given it was mid-afternoon. I am sure at an earlier hour and a different time of year there would be much to see. We also liked the audio recording booth where you can playback all kinds of birds and other animal recordings. We could have spent a long time playing different sounds. Definitely worth the drive out of town.

Joyce L.

Yelp

Cornell University Ornithology is a fancy word for bird park with a nice walking trail. There's no admission for this place but if you plan to come in a group of more than 10 people be sure to call them ahead of time. We came here on a cloudy/light rain day but we were still able to do the 1 mile walking trail that loops this place. It's an easy trail. The birds here are not caged. It's nice to be in a place where they can roam freely. Inside the museum, they have telescopes that you can use to look for birds. They do have some bird feeders outside and if you're lucky you get to see some colorful birds through the glass.

Andy B.

Yelp

One of the nicest nature preserves I've ever been to, Cornell's Ornithology Lab offers a wonderful setting for viewing the bird species that are native to central New York. The building itself fits into its setting quite well, not distracting from the natural beauty of its surroundings. The glass curtain wall provides an excellent vista from which to observe the birds, either with the naked eye or the high-powered telescopes that really do provide a birds-eye view (pardon the pun) of the preserve. Even if you're not a hard-core birder, the trails here offer a wonderful and easy walk around the grounds. The trails are also dotted with some very nice sculptures that don't distract from the beauty of nature around them. A lot of thought went into the design of these grounds - not surprising, as Cornell is home to one of the premier landscape architecture programs in the country. Free admission, easy parking, and the beauty of nature make for an enjoyable and serene afternoon stroll amongst the birds, a perfect place to visit on a nice spring or fall day.

Sam W.

Yelp

I went here on a date with my girlfriend and had a lovely time. There is no charge to walk the trails or to enter the visitor center, it is completely donation-based. There are telescopes (or whatever they're called) that are free to use from a very nice observation point inside of the center. There is a large pond with many birds and animals to observe from the comfort of inside the visitor center. We saw a Heron fishing. There is not a whole lot to do inside the center other than observing birds but there is a nice cozy library that has great material if you want to do research and there is bathrooms and a small gift shop. It's kid-friendly but young kids might get bored after a short time. The lady at the front desk was very kind and knowledgeable. She offered us binoculars to borrow for free as we walked around the trails. There are many great photo opportunities and the trails are in great condition. Great for running or for pushing a stroller. We saw a bunch of beaver teeth marks on felled trees and also their beaver house. It's a really nice way to spend a few hours.

Betty L.

Yelp

Great exhibits, beautiful grounds, very informative. Only issue with the place is, upon exit, a bird discharged its fecal matter onto my head as I walked to my car and the staff would not discipline it. Rude birds and sadly I guess they'll never learn if such behavior is allowed to continue.

Naguib K.

Yelp

A hidden gem in the Finger Lakes. We wanted something special to spend half the day in Ithaca New York. We found it! The setting couldn't be better. Close to town, the Sapsucker woods trails were a wonderful, easy, very well maintained system. The modern clean building provided a beautiful viewing window that one can spend the entire afternoon looking at the various birds that come by. The store is jam packed with a myriad of birding specific gear. I've never seen a better variety of spotting scopes and binoculars. Great staff and volunteers,

Eleanor G.

Yelp

A unique birding spot that all nature lovers should take advantage of. There is a large building with bird movies, a gift shop, and an amazing floor to ceiling viewing area. They even have a mock up of the sound booth and tech equipment that they use to record bird sounds. (When you look on the web for bird IDs or bird sounds it is likely from the Cornell Bird Lab). They are currently painting an amazing bird mural . Its big and impressive. of course there are great birding trails outside and its all free. Trails open till dark.

James H.

Yelp

Always delightful--displays instructive, trails well-kept and marked. Kids love it, and the shop has many items not available anywhere. We'll continue to come by whenever we're in Ithaca.

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Cornell Lab of Ornithology

https://onthegrid.city/ithaca/the-hills-east-south-west/cornell-lab-of-ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

Ithaca

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Kirk S.

Google

Always a fun way to spend a few hours when in the Ithaca area. The interactive museum installations were so enjoyable. I recommend the trail/walk around the pond when visiting

Telephone

Google

Kathy C.

Google

Nicole G.

Google

Ubaya M.

Google

Emerald M.

Google

Caitlyn A.

Google

Rebecca M.

Google

Bucket list! Love this place! The exhibit on the evolution of bird illustrations was remarkable. And, we got to see THE bird feeder...if you know, you know!!

Mickey O.

Yelp

Linda O.

Yelp

PJ C.

Yelp

Joyce L.

Yelp

Andy B.

Yelp

Sam W.

Yelp

Betty L.

Yelp

Naguib K.

Yelp

Eleanor G.

Yelp

James H.

Yelp

Always delightful--displays instructive, trails well-kept and marked. Kids love it, and the shop has many items not available anywhere. We'll continue to come by whenever we're in Ithaca.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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On the Grid : Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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On the Grid : Cornell Lab of Ornithology