Project FeederWatch – has been conducted jointly by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada since 1987. It provides an opportunity for folks to turn their love of feeding birds into scientific discoveries. It is a November-April survey of birds across the US and Canada that visit feeders and backyards; and is conducted by people of all skill levels and backgrounds, including children, classrooms, youth groups, nature centers, and bird clubs. It’s not even necessary to have a feeder! All that is required is an area with plantings, habitat, and water or food that attracts birds. The schedule is completely flexible. Folks can count their birds for as long as they like on days of their choosing, then enter their count data online. These counts allow participants to track what is happening to the birds around their home and contribute to a data-set of bird distribution and abundance. With FeederWatch, folks are participating in a citizen science project that helps backyard observations become part of something bigger.
The Cornell Lab will send everything needed to get started identifying birds. New participants receive a Research Kit with instructions for participating, as well as a bird identification poster, a calendar, and more. Each fall participants receive a16-page, year-end report, Winter Bird Highlights. Participants also receive access to the digital version of Living Bird, the Cornell Lab’s quarterly magazine.
Project FeederWatch is supported almost entirely by its participants. The annual participation fee is $18 for U.S. residents ($15 for Cornell Lab members). These contributions cover materials, staff support, web design, data analysis, and the year-end report (Winter Bird Highlights). Without the support of participants, this project wouldn’t be possible.
As a program that engages participants across the US and Canada, Project FeederWatch strives to ensure that it is accessible and welcoming to every person, and the lab is fully committed to addressing racial injustice and fostering inclusivity.