Courses Designed for You
Start at your level. There's something for every bird enthusiast.
Gain Confidence
Self-paced courses help you to train at home, while you travel, or even while birding.
Pursue Your Passion
Join the community of more than 190,000 students improving their understanding of birds.

Start with the course that's right for you

Choose from courses for all knowledge levels. See our complete course catalog.
Our most popular courses:
Baltimore Oriole on a branch with flowers
Joy of Birdwatching Welcome to birdwatching! Get all the tools, tips, and inspiration you need to get started.
$39.99
Nature journal and watercolor tray
Nature Journaling and Field Sketching Capture the wonders of nature on paper by building your observation and drawing skills with scientific illustrator Liz Clayton Fuller as your guide.
$99.99

The Cornell Lab Bird Academy

Brought to you by the Cornell Lab, Bird Academy is continuing a century-old tradition of sharing the wonder and joy of birds far beyond our walls.

It all started with Cornell Lab founder Arthur “Doc” Allen, who opened the Lab’s doors to the public on Monday evenings for seminars created to celebrate the science and beauty of birds. We’ve never stopped in our mission to help people of all walks of life understand and connect with birds.

Whether you’re newly curious about what you’re hearing in your backyard, an avid birder with a life list to tend, or a budding ornithologist, Bird Academy’s team of biologists, educators, and designers are here to help you learn. Enjoy!

See All Open Lectures

Why Choose Bird Academy

Are You Ready to Improve?

Bird Academy supports birders, nature enthusiasts, and budding ornithologists from all over the world. All courses are backed by our satisfaction guarantee.

Our Experts Can Help

Take advantage of exclusive learning tools and friendly video tutorials created by our team of expert birders, ornithologists, and educational designers.

Here to Help You Learn

Get to know the instructors from some of our most recent courses
Kevin McGowan
Kevin McGowan, Ph.D. Professional Ornithologist, World Series of Birding Champion
Melissa Groo with Her Camera
Melissa Groo Wildlife Photographer, Journalist, Conservationist
Bird Academy instructor Liz Clayton Fuller
Liz Clayton Fuller Scientific Illustrator
Ian Davies
Ian Davies Birding Expert, eBird Project Coordinator
Most Recent Course: eBird Essentials

From the Bird Academy Community

I found many more warblers this spring thanks to this class. I knew they were there and how to look and listen for them. I also trusted my observations more, the course gave me confidence." Bird Academy Student
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to take a course like this. This is now my third course of yours that I have taken online at my own pace and I really love the format!" Bird Academy Student
I am recently retired and have found this one of my best new projects so far! It also makes my daily walks in a nearby park more interesting as I notice the birds more and try to identify them. It makes me appreciate birds and nature even more! Thank you!" Bird Academy Student
Great course. As a beginning birder, the soundscape picture really helped me visualize the parts of the bird songs and the little quizzes helped me remember what I learned. Was afraid it was going to be too daunting, but it was fun. Thanks so much." Bird Academy Student
I have absolutely loved the courses. As a newer birder but an avid fan of birds, I have learned so much. Your classes are really well put together—excellent instructional design." Margaret, Bird Academy Student
I wanted to let you know your techniques are working! … Waterfowl migration is happening now… I was able to identify three ducks that were firsts for me. The American Wigeon was distinctive with white flank and forehead even though very far away." Susan, Bird Academy Student

Browse the Course Catalog

Get confident with your IDs, understand behavior, and even train in ornithology—find the courses that are right for you.

Course Catalog