Cornell Lab Of Ornithology
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the study of birds and their conservation.
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Summary
Located in Ithaca, New York, the lab attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to explore its exhibits, take guided tours, and participate in special events.
One of the main reasons to visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is its extensive collection of bird specimens and exhibits. Visitors can see over 800 bird specimens from around the world at the lab's Museum of Vertebrates, including rare and endangered species. The lab also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about bird behavior, migration patterns, and more.
In addition to its exhibits, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers a variety of other attractions and activities for visitors. Guided bird walks and tours of the lab's research facilities are popular options, as are birdwatching and photography workshops. The lab also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the annual Migration Celebration, which features live bird demonstrations, music, and food.
The Ithaca area also offers many other attractions for visitors to enjoy. The nearby Cornell Botanic Gardens, for example, features more than 4,000 plant species and several miles of hiking trails. The Ithaca Farmers Market is another popular destination, offering fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and live music.
The best time of year to visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology depends on what you're interested in seeing. Spring and fall are the best times for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through the area during these seasons. Summer is also a great time to visit, as the lab's gardens are in full bloom and outdoor events are in full swing. Winter can be a bit quieter, but the lab still offers guided snowshoeing and skiing tours.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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