Birding Links
To further your birding skills and knowledge, consider getting involved with the following organizations:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Lab is a non-profit membership institution whose mission is to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Cornell’s programs work with citizen scientists, government and non-government agencies across North America and beyond. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology believes that bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can and do make a difference.
Visit their Web site: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/
Sponsored Projects:
Great Backyard Bird Count
The GBBC is a joint project of Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society and is sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited. It takes place over four days each February. Simply count the birds! Count the numbers of birds and the species variety. You can count in your backyard or any location you like for at least 15 minutes on one or more of the count days and then simply report the information online at http://gbbc.birdcount.org/
The Great Backyard Bird Count gives you the opportunity to make a difference by participating in this annual event which links citizens with scientists in an effort to collect important data about backyard birds. This extensive information data base is analyzed by scientists to better understand important trends in bird populations, range expansions, habitat changes and shifts in migration patterns.
Project FeederWatch
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology operates Project FeederWatch in partnership with the National Audubon Society, Bird Studies Canada and Canadian Nature Federation. The program relies on volunteers to count birds at their backyard feeders once every two weeks from November to April. The information helps scientists gain a better understanding of population trends and movements of birds and helps develop an awareness of North American feeder bird conservation efforts. Wild Birds Unlimited is a sponsor of this project.
Bird Cams
Jim Carpenter, Founder & CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, has hosted a camera-equipped owl box for almost 20 years. Set more than 30 feet high against the trunk of a pignut hickory tree, the box has been home to a series of occupants, including owls, squirrels and raccoons.
We are excited to partner with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology to give families world-wide a live glimpse into a Barred Owl nest box. Through our partnership we can live stream video from the WBU Barred Owl Cam and share it on our website and feature it in our store. The WBU Barred Owl Cam along with many more nest cams can also be seen at http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/
The National Audubon Society
Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Their national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.
Visit their Web site: http://www.audubon.org/
Since 2007 Wild Birds Unlimited has partnered with the National Audubon Society to offer the WBU Audubon Camp Scholarship. This initiative proudly offers scholarships to underserved children. While attending these camps, young people connect with nature, learn to respect it and gain a desire to preserve it for future generations. These scholarships have enabled more than 2,000 kids to attend camp.