Case Study: Cornell Lab of Ornithology achieves immersive HD global birdwatching with Axis Communications

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology uses Axis network cameras to bring the secret life of birds to audiences worldwide

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology relaunched its Bird Cams project in 2012 and needed network-based cameras that could deliver high-definition video, high-quality audio, high frame rates, remote control and rugged, all‑weather reliability for unattended nest-site deployments. To meet those needs the Lab chose Axis Communications’ HDTV-quality network cameras — a mix of fixed dome and PTZ models (including AXIS P3364-LVE, Q6044-E, Q6035-E and the AXIS F1005-E with F41) — based on Axis field engineers’ recommendations.

Axis Communications’ cameras stream 720p–1080p at 30–60 fps with remote zoom, low-light/IR capability and centralized recording/encoding for live delivery to sites like YouTube and Livestream. That solution expanded the Lab’s global reach (more than one billion viewer minutes since 2012), enabled new scientific and educational observations (nighttime heron courtship, plastic ingestion in an albatross chick), increased classroom and public engagement, and generated viewer donations that help offset program costs.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Charles Eldermire

Bird Cams Project Leader