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New self-paced online tutorials from Cornell teach key bird ID skills.
 Measure a new bird against the size of familiar species. Graphic by Kevin McGowan.

Go Online to Be a Better Birder

New self-paced tutorials highlight key bird ID skills

For release: August 7, 2013

 
Click on the image to try an exercise on identifying parts of a bird. (Requires Flash)
Ithaca, N.Y.—Can’t tell a Downy Woodpecker from a Hairy Woodpecker? Completely stumped by warblers? Just log-on and learn. Anyone with an interest in birds and nature can improve their knowledge with new self-paced tutorials from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Two “Be a Better Birder” tutorials are now available, aimed at beginners who want a solid instruction to the basics of bird identification.

“Thanks so much for a fun and informative course,” says student Nancy Blechschmidt. “It was well organized, very user-friendly, and not too overwhelming.  I especially enjoyed the way the pictures were used in comparisons.”

Part one focuses on size and shape—truly key to knowing birds. Learn which parts of a bird will be most useful for identification and about basic bird groupings such as waders, ducks, or perching birds.

Part two is all about feather colors and patterns. Instead of trying to memorize every color and pattern on a bird, learn to do more with less information, focusing on specific body parts that will lead to the right ID.

“The lessons are packed with interactive exercises, multimedia, and quizzes so students can really practice new skills, not just listen to somebody talk about it,” says the Cornell Lab’s Dr. Kevin McGowan, who created the tutorial content. “The response so far has been great—everybody wants more!”

Each tutorial costs $29 dollars and can be accessed as often as needed for six months after signup. The lessons were developed in partnership with eCornell at Cornell University. 

For other online learning opportunities from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, visit its public courses website.

“It’s all about cultivating knowledge and an appreciation for nature,” says McGowan, “Plus it’s just plain fun!”
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Contact:
Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 607-254-2187 or pel27@cornell.edu
 
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.

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