The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website is one frequented by The Birdfreak Team. There is a wealth of information on birds, birding, and conservation. Plus, the Lab “gets it” in terms of making a user-friendly, visually appealing, functional website. Here is an overview of this newly updated site.
The Lab’s website has always been a wonderful resource. The more recent update provides a lot of information in a fairly straightforward way. At first glance there is a lot going on. Some might call the site “busy” or “crowded”. We like to refer to it more as “layered”. The Lab provides a ton of programs and information that in order to keep the majority easily accessible, the screen real estate needs to be used efficiently.
The content can be drilled down fairly quickly without a lot of clicking but initially you’ll need to look around a bit. The rotating content helps to provide more info in a fixed space but does add to the overall overwhelming feeling. All of Cornell’s projects and auxiliary sites are super easy to get to. There is even a search function directly to All About Birds, a simple yet essential addition to the site.
Citizen Science projects, our favorite feature of the Lab, are given a complete section where you can access the results or join in on the fun.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has adapted well to all the various social networks, blogging, etc. The new website has a lot to offer but can potentially take users (new and returning) awhile to fully grasp all of what to do and look for.
If you are unfamiliar with The Lab now is a good time to check out the updated site and get involved in learning about and helping out birds!
I too like the new look of the Cornell Lab website. It certainly has a crisp and attractive up to date look and is fairly intuitive. I use their websites all the time.
Great site, I’m not far from you guys, I’m up in SE Wisconsin, in Racine. Great info I will keep a eye out for you guys on here!
Ricky
Rick – thanks. Love the photos on your site 🙂