Project FeederWatch is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada—and if you have birds in your yard, you have what you need to participate!
Project FeederWatch is conducted by people of all skill levels and backgrounds—individuals, children, families, nature centers, and bird clubs. More than 20,000 participants across the United States and Canada survey the birds that visit backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locations, and it’s not too late to join the 2021-22 FeederWatch Season, which began in mid-November and continues into April, 2022.
FeederWatch data provides insight into bird population biology that cannot be detected through other methods. Throughout the winter, participants count the number of individual birds in each observed species, collecting data that helps detect and explain gradual changes in the wintering ranges of many species.
FeederWatcher counting schedules are COMPLETELY flexible. Count your birds for as long as you like on days of your choosing. Enter your counts online. It’s that simple.
Your contribution to a data-set of bird distribution and abundance will enable scientists to piece together more accurate population maps.
Data collected by FeederWatchers helps scientists understand:
- long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance
- the timing and extent of winter irruptions
- expansions or contractions in the winter ranges of feeder birds
- foods and environmental factors that attract birds
- how disease is spread among birds that visit feeders
And if you photograph your feathered visitors (and what’s not fun about that?!), there is also a PHOTO CONTEST.
Go to https://feederwatch.org/contests/ and click on the cardinal for more information. The photo entry deadline is January 24, 2022.
To learn more about the Project FeederWatch and sign up to count and submit data, visit Feederwatch.org.
Let’s use our backyard birdwatching to benefit the birds that we enjoy watching!
PHOTO CREDIT: Jenny Burdette Photography