Ithaca, NY–The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is pleased to announced that the eBird website will now be sponsored by Swarovski Optik North America. The eBird program is a real-time, online checklist program, that collects more than a milllion bird observations each month from bird watchers around the world. (www.ebird.org) eBird data are visualized in charts, maps, and graphs which can be used by students, researchers, land managers, and conservationists needing detailed information about the numbers and distribution of birds.
Launched in 2002, the eBird website has grown exponentially, currently amassing one of the largest and fastest growing biodiversity data resources in existence. The goal of eBird is to maximize the utility and accessibility of the vast numbers of bird observations made each year while also allowing bird watchers to keep track of their own sightings and explore what others are seeing.
“The Cornell Lab is devoted to the highest standards of excellence in all of our research, education, citizen science, and conservation projects,” says John Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Lab. “Partnering with Swarovski Optik is totally consistent with these standards. Their spectacular optics are a staple for everything from ornithology field work to everyday birding!”
Swarovski Optik North America has partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for other projects, including sponsoring the Lab’s World Series of Birding teams for many years to help raise funds for bird conservation. Swarovski Optik leaders stress their support for and understanding of the importance collecting the valuable information contributed by bird watchers.
