Web Site Review: All About Birds

First posted on 01-21-2011

If you haven’t come across Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology web site yet, it’s worth the investment of a visit. The site is devoted to all things birds and it’s packed with features.

The heart of the web site is an extensive database of North American bird species that is searchable by name, shape and bird family. Selecting a particular bird provides detailed descriptions including information about how to identify the winged creature. Photos, habitat details, how to attract the bird and similar species are all provided. My favorite section is the recorded call of each individual bird.

The information is organized and presented in a readable but detailed manner. Each species is represented with several photos in different plumage stages to help make identification a quick task.

A section on “Birding Basics” provides answers to questions like “why is a bird attacking my windows?” Or, “what to do with a baby bird,” and “why do woodpeckers hammer on homes?” This section also includes articles on attracting birds and suggestions for improving bird photography.

Other site sections include a library of videos, articles devoted to conservation and thousands of bird photos.

An annoying pop-up soliciting the visitor to sign up for a series of free newsletters does appear on each page. You can elect to take any or all of the newsletters or make the box disappear by choosing the appropriate button. The pop-up is gone for the length of your stay on the site.

Whether a novice bird enthusiast or a seasoned bird watcher, the information provided by Cornell is useful advice from one of the country’s top ornithology schools. If you have even a passing interest in North American birds, set aside a healthy segment of time and explore the site:

All About Birds

Share | |