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Cornell Lab eNews

September 22, 2024

Autumn is here and billions of birds are on the move. We're here to help you explore the fascinating phenomenon of fall migration.

WATCH: Your Top Fall Migration Questions Answered

Why do birds migrate? How do they know when it's time to go? How can we help them on their way? We collected commonly asked questions about bird migration and put them to Bird Academy instructor Dr. Kevin McGowan in an "Ask the Ornithologist" webinar. In this highlight video, Kevin answers six of the most frequently asked questions.

Click or tap for a lesson and a quiz about identifying a pair of tricky fall warblers

Mystery Warblers by Nico Sarbanes and Matthew Addicks / Macaulay Library.

What Birds Are These?

If you're a puzzle person, Mother Nature has a fun alternative to crosswords and jigsaws: fall warblers! Here are two species with subtle plumage differences that are often seen during fall migration—Tennessee and Orange-crowned Warblers. Learn how to spot the differences and then take a fun quiz to hone your skills. Take a few minutes and train your puzzle brain.

Click or tap to read about what happened in Chicago on the night of October 4, 2023.

McCormick Place in Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan.

How One Astounding Night of Migration Highlighted the Need for Window Safety

Last October in Chicago, hundreds of thousands of birds flew through Chicago in a single night, delighting birders. But many were killed by windows along the waterfront, including nearly 1,000 at a single conference center. The tragedy prompted building managers to install safeguards designed to prevent birds from colliding with the enormous glass facade. Read the story.

Bird Safety in the News: CBS Sunday Morning sat down with Cornell Lab scientist Andrew Farnsworth to discuss how the movement to make buildings safer for birds is gaining momentum.

Click or tap for a to-do list to get ready for a Big Day

For photo credits, tap or click image.

How to Make a Big Day Fun, Fun, and More Fun

With October Big Day right around the corner, will you give yourself the joy of some dedicated birding? Big Days can be as big or small as you like, but it helps to be prepared. Check out our tips, tools, and advice for fully enjoying your Big Day adventure.

CLick or tap to read about the 7 simple actions that can help birds

Wood Thrush by John Petruzzi / Macaulay Library; design by Sarah Seroussi.

Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds

Deciding how to take action to help birds doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can have a real impact on the birds around you by taking any of these Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds. There's even a printable checklist to put on your fridge or bulletin board as a reminder.

Bird News and Resources

The Cornell Lab Is at Climate Week NYC! On Thursday, September 26, the Cornell Lab will host three sessions celebrating a decade of declining deforestation in the tropical forests of Indonesia, one of Earth's most important buffers against the climate crisis. Join in person or via Zoom.

Talking Merlin with the National Science Foundation: Cornell Lab senior director of communications Miyoko Chu joined an NSF podcast to tell the fascinating story of how the Merlin Bird ID app came to be.

The Birds and the Beetles: Research in Sapsucker Woods, part of the Cornell Lab's headquarters, is shining new light on the relationship between woodpeckers and an invasive pest.

Attend a Bird Festival: Festivals are a great way to enjoy birds and meet like-minded people—check out our full listings.

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