Best of the Web

All About Birds

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/

Provider: Cornell University

All About Birds is an online resource center for anyone interested in birding, bird identification and ecosystems supporting birds in North America. The centerpiece of the website is the Bird Guide, a multimedia field guide that includes images, migratory range maps, audio recordings of bird song and extensive information about each species including description, habitat, food, behavior, reproduction and conservation status. Bird profiles are in alphabetical or taxonomic order.

Educator's guide

If you are wondering how to begin learning about bird watching, "Birding 1, 2, 3" is the place to start. Learn to identify birds by considering silhouette, field marks, posture, flight pattern, size and habitat. Find the best places for birding, and use an online project to log your observations. If you can't go to the birds, help attract the birds to you by learning about feeders, landscape features, nest boxes and other backyard or schoolyard projects that may encourage a variety of birds to visit your home or school. And don't forget your binoculars! The GearGuide will help you learn the key features of this essential birding tool.

Patterns of bird migration and changes in bird populations are key indicators to the health of the environment. Budding ornithologists can find projects to participate in or simply locate data sources from research projects to learn where birds have been spotted and better understand how birds relate to their natural environment. "Studying Birds" is the launching point for individuals or classrooms interested in the data collection or research associated with ornithology. Included are volunteer opportunities and an Educator's Guide to Bird Study for introducing and integrating bird studies into your curriculum. Reference materials for researchers feature the Bird Glossary. Finally, the conservation area profiles conservation success stories as well as issues of vanishing habitat and modern-day extinctions. Information about how you may get involved in conservation efforts is provided.