A flash of red, a quiet chirp! You’ve just caught sight of a remarkable bird, what do you do now? 

Join us for an exciting online program that will take you on a journey into the world of migratory birding in the Northeast Corridor! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your birdwatching skills, this event will guide you through the basics of birding in the region and a walk through our world-class birding tools: Merlin Bird ID and eBird.  

From city parks to scenic nature reserves, the Northeast Corridor offers an incredibly diverse array of birds waiting to be spotted. In this engaging session, you’ll uncover the unique birds of the region and how to both identify and track your sightings. Whether you’re looking to observe birds from your own backyard or venture into the wilderness, this program will inspire you to explore and appreciate the beauty of birdwatching today!

Event Details 
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET 
Location: Zoom | Zoom details will be shared in your registration confirmation email. 
Cost: Free event 

About our Speakers
 
Chelsea Benson
Discovery Gift Officer, Cornell Lab of Ornithology 

As a gift officer at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, I foster relationships with members and donors who share our passion for birds, nature, and conservation. My role involves connecting with supporters to understand their interests and helping them find meaningful ways to advance the Cornell Lab’s mission through philanthropy, volunteering, and participatory science. 

My journey with the Cornell Lab began in 2015 when I joined the FeederWatch and NestWatch programs as an assistant. Most recently, I helped transform the Cornell Lab’s Visitor Center, working to create an engaging space that better serves our community and inspires connection to birds and nature. 

Working closely with our dedicated members, I help identify opportunities for deeper engagement with the Cornell Lab’s work, from engaging in participatory science projects to supporting crucial research and conservation initiatives. I’m privileged to serve as a bridge between our supporters’ philanthropic goals and the Cornell Lab’s mission to advance the understanding and protection of birds and biodiversity worldwide. 

Alli Smith
Merlin Project Coordinator, Cornell Lab of Ornithology 
 
I connect people to the Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID by doing talks, webinars, and other outreach activities, and assist Merlin users by managing the help desk. I love supporting birders both new and experienced, and Merlin is an amazing tool that can help anybody learn! 

My love of birds was sparked on a middle-school field trip to Cape May to see the annual spring spawning of horseshoe crabs and the shorebirds that depend on them (what’s cooler than thousands of birds fueling up on the eggs of prehistoric-looking crabs!?). I attended the Young Birders Event here at the lab in 2011 and learned that there are careers that focus on bird conservation, and I continued on to get a BS in Wildlife Ecology to pursue the dream of working with birds. 

In the many jobs I’ve worked since graduating (with puffins, shorebirds, and owls) I’ve found the most impactful experiences to be working with participatory scientists, volunteers and birders, which is what has led me to my current role with Merlin. Birding and participatory science has an amazing and huge positive impact on conservation and our understanding of birds, and Merlin is a fantastic way to help birders of all levels connect with the birds around them.  
 
Featuring Introductory remarks by 

Todd Wolleman ‘80 
Class of 1980, Forty-fifth Reunion Chair 

Todd is a proud 1980 graduate of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). A lifelong supporter of Cornell, he has served as the past president of the Alumni Association, reunion chair, and a life member of the Cornell Council. He splits his time between New York City and Richmond, Massachusetts, where he enjoys the unique connection between urban and rural birding environments. A passionate advocate for wildlife, his spirit bird is the Red-tailed Hawk, symbolizing his keen sense of observation and love for nature. As a staunch supporter of Cornell Ornithology, a recognized worldwide leader in bird research and conservation, Todd aims to bring more attention to its groundbreaking work and inspire future generations of birders and conservationists.

Todd is also proud to share his Cornell legacy with his wife, Debbie Wolleman, and daughters Lauren and Danielle, who both followed in his footsteps as graduates of CALS, Lauren in 2018 and Danielle in 2019. With deep ties to both Cornell and the birding community, he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the conversation.