The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

Hello again friends,

My visit to the Cornell Ornithology Lab went very well. The weather was a bit chilly, but it was otherwise a beautiful day.

Here I am in front of the lab. You can't really make it out in this picture, but there is a picture of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the sign. The lab is located in Sapsucker Woods, a 15 minute drive away from the Cornell campus. On the way I passed a lot of open field and crows with tags on their wings. What a sight. You would think that "Sapsucker Woods" would boast an abundance of Sapsuckers, but I didn't see one anywhere. I've heard that there is an interesting story behind the name though.

Here I am making my way to the entrance. I had to cross this bridge over a little pond and stream-lets.

Look at all the trails around the lab!!! The main building (the big black shape on the map) has the beautiful visitors' center and staff labs/offices. It would be so awesome working here. On my lunch breaks I could go on a little nature walk with my mushroom sandwich. I would just have to be a little wary of the Red-tailed Hawks that are around. If not, I might be the one for lunch!

This is the big pond and bird feeder garden right in front of the lab. In the visitors' center, there is a huge, beautiful window looking out into the pond and bird feeder garden. It really gave me a "duck-eye's view". There were ducks and geese everywhere!!!

Water break! All this exploring made me thirsty.

I then ventured up to the Adelson Library where my friend/apartment-mate works. There were so many bird books and periodicals!!! I was amazed. I even found an old bird book that I have been looking for for a while.

Since the library had so many nice, comfortable reading spots (even a fireplace!) I decided to do a bit of light reading. I probably should have asked the librarian to help me get this down from the shelf.

After that it was time to go home. I was told that a bus ran by the lab, so I borrowed my friend's ipod and listened to some awesome tunes while I waited.

Yay! The bus! Right on time.

Here I am on the bus all ready to go home! It was a pretty nice bus and the seats were comfy.

It was still a bit of a walk from where the bus dropped me off, but the day was still relatively nice so I didn't mind.

Put the keys in the lock, open the door, and I'm finally home!

Well friends, that was my visit to the Ornithology Lab. It was such a refreshing blend of nature and research. Hopefully one day you may get to experience it too!

All the best,

LFM