For 40 years, FeederWatchers in the United States and Canada have expanded their appreciation for the natural world by counting neighborhood birds. These observations have helped biologists monitor winter bird populations, uncover exciting new information about birds' day-to-day lives, and discover what we can all do to help birds thrive. The resulting collection of extraordinary data is a testament to the dedication of thousands of FeederWatchers who participate year after year – some have counted birds in their yards or neighborhoods for decades.
Project FeederWatch is a great way to join an enthusiastic birding community and contribute to science while learning more about birds. FeederWatch data contribute to a growing body of published research that increases our understanding of winter bird populations and how it can help inform conservation actions to protect them. "There is a treasure trove of scientific opportunities that can arise from FeederWatch data," said David Bonter, Co-director of the Cornell Lab's Center for Engagement in Science and Nature. "It's exciting to know that thousands of people are recording their observations in a way that can help us learn more about how birds are doing, and lead us to ways in which we can protect birds."
Project FeederWatch is a research and education project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. To join, sign up for FeederWatch now and start counting birds at a location you choose. "When the winter weather becomes challenging, I look forward to sitting, relaxing, and observing the birds that visit my yard," said Susan Sezol, who has participated in FeederWatch for 15 years. "It's always exciting because you never know what species might show up."