Birdwatching in Cornell
Visiting the capital of bird research
Table of Contents
Cornell
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Cayuga Lake
Horseback Riding
Cornell
This month I flew to Cornell for a one-week in-person course for my graduate program. It was fun to work with my classmates again (oh yeah, educational too haha), and I decided to extend my trip by another week for a “bird-art residency” with my friend Meesh! She drove an incredible five hours to meet me, and I knew the week was going to be amazing when I spotted a Cardinal for the very first time on the roadside as I drove to meet her. I nearly slammed on the brakes for a better look, but noticed there were cars behind me (oops).
I’ve read about formal art residencies where artists are given the time and space to focus on their work for weeks at a time, often in exchange for donating a finished piece afterward. The National Park residencies always catch my eye, but the pressure of having to complete a piece by a deadline stresses me out (as I glance nervously at my pile of unfinished work in the corner). I pitched the idea of a casual, no-pressure “bird-art residency” to Meesh, and she was totally on board. While I was at Cornell, aka birder’s paradise, we carved out a week for birding and inspiration, without the expectation of producing anything. It felt more like a creative recharge, and maybe something we’ll keep doing in the future!
We hit the jackpot with our rental: a cozy little house in the rural countryside, surrounded by woods and pastures. It was the perfect spot to just sit outside, listen to bird songs, and enjoy the quiet.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
For any birder, visiting the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a dream come true, after all they’re the ones behind eBird and Merlin! Naturally, we stopped by for a guided bird walk in Sapsucker Woods and spent some time at the Adelson Library. Last year, I only managed to peer through the library window sadly when it was closed, so finally stepping inside felt magical. The collection is a treasure trove of rare bird books, and we happily browsed for hours.
My main mission was to flip through The Life and Art of William T. Cooper. He’s one of my favorite bird artists, but his books are nearly impossible to find in the States. I actually need a trip to Australia with an empty suitcase just for them. Thankfully, the library had a copy, and I photographed every page that inspired me, especially his field sketches. His dedication was incredible as he traveling the globe and camped in jungles to capture reference material for his paintings. I hope I can someday follow in his footsteps.
Birdwatching Notes:
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbird trying to eat reeds, still learning what’s food and what isn’t!
A sweet family of Wood Ducks
First time seeing a Baltimore Oriole nest, grass woven into a hanging pouch that can last for months
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Another must-stop birding hotspot! At the Visitor Center, a kind volunteer gave us tips on where to find the lingering swans and cranes before we set off on the three-mile Auto Tour.
Birdwatching Notes:
Found a Mute Swan hidden in the reeds
Spotted a lone baby swan (probably giving mom a much-needed break)
Swallows sunbathing in the middle of the road, looked like puddles of melted birds
Bald Eagle sighting!
Easily over 200 nests in the Great Blue Heron rookery
Cayuga Lake
Birdwatching Notes:
First time trying to birdwatch while in a kayak
Gulls in a row on a log, so cute
Little ducks hiding in the marsh
Osprey nest with suspicious juveniles watching us paddle past
And… a beaver sighting!
Horseback Riding
And of course, while in upstate New York, I had to go horseback riding. Last year I discovered a barn that offered trail rides with trotting and cantering, and this time I signed up for one of their two-hour advanced rides. I had originally registered for the intermediate ride and explained my experience level and my interest in their advanced rides, and to my surprise, they upgraded me to advanced!
The ride was unforgettable, we crossed rivers, wound through forests, raced up hills, rode through farm fields, and stopped at a stunning overlook of the lake. I brought a GoPro to capture the adventure, but it fell off on the very first climb. Thankfully, our guide found it in the dirt (I had already accepted it was gone forever). After that, I wrapped the strap around my hand and filmed handheld, but the footage turned out ridiculously shaky. Clearly, I need a better system for filming rides.
Still, the feeling of cantering through the open countryside, with views all around, is incomparable. It’s nothing like circling around in a round pen. I’ll definitely be back next year, and hopefully I’ll get to do their half-day ride.
Film Photos
I also brought a film camera and got the photos developed!
