As if the Cornell Lab of Ornithology isn’t already fantastic enough, this leading authority on birds recently released a new in-depth website that explores many facets of feathers from scientific viewpoints.

Viewers can learn how feathers work in a section devoted to feather anatomy. In Feather Function, the various roles of feathers are explored, such as flight, display, camouflage, insulation and weatherproofing. Other sections illustrate how feathers develop and how they have evolved over time.

In associated materials, conservation concerns are addressed, such as the impacts of oil spills on birds and their feathers. (See www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1909).

The interactive site features free downloads for teachers, a reference article, and a video library with more than 90 videos. Visit biology.allaboutbirds.org/all-about-feathers/ to learn more.

And for educators, the lab is offering a free webinar on April 15 at 8 p.m. about how to use its bird cams in lessons. The BirdSleuth team will share information about the birds, the cameras and the biology behind the webcam initiative. Visit www.birdsleuth.org/bird-cam-webinars to learn more.