Cornell Hopes Plan for New Large-Bird Rehab Facility Takes Flight

Cornell University has proposed building a new Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary next to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road in Ithaca. The 6,816-square-foot facility would focus on rehabilitating eagles, raptors, and other large birds, preparing them for release back into the wild. Plans include five individual mews, a shared flight area, stormwater management features, sidewalks connecting to the hospital, and a gravel fire access drive.

Designed with open-air wood-slat siding, the structure allows airflow and acclimates birds to outdoor conditions. The aviary will not be open to the public, nor will it contain offices or restrooms, as it is solely intended for avian recovery. Each bird will occupy its own mew and share time in the flight area to avoid territorial conflicts. Considered an educational facility addition under 10,000 square feet, the project bypasses extensive state environmental review and may be approved at the Ithaca Planning Board’s Sept. 16 meeting.