Project FeederWatch connects you to thousands of other birders while you contribute to a science-based observation project at a feeder or another birding site of your choice. Receive a newly published Native Sparrow Identification Poster in addition to the Project’s standard research kit if you join between now and October 8th. Can you identify this native sparrow’s species? It’s an American Tree Sparrow, a species often encountered in small flocks during Project FeederWatch observations (photo by Paul Konrad).

Birders have participated in Project FeederWatch for nearly 40 years to help monitor the numbers and species of birds visiting their feeding station or another location where they choose to contribute information about the wintering birds they see. Contributed from across North America, our observations comprise a one of a kind collection of information that provides unique insights into the lives of backyard birds. If you are already a contributing member of Project FeederWatch you already know how fulfilling and fun it is to spend a regular period of time identifying and counting birds and contributing to this citizen science endeavor created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Among the many discoveries revealed by Project FeederWatch observations over time include the fact that some birds are expanding their ranges farther and farther north, such as Anna’s Hummingbirds and Lesser Goldfinches. The interactions of birds at feeders have also been studied and the most dominant species have been identified. And FeederWatch participants have provided the information to show that urban areas provide refuge for some birds during harsh winter weather.

You are cordially invited to join the thousands of birders who provide basic information to support this legacy of bird research during the upcoming FeederWatch season, simply by monitoring the birds that visit your feeders or yard from November through April for short periods on certain days of your choice. Actually, you can choose any monitoring site, but most people participate right from home.

In an effort to encourage birders to sign up early for the FeederWatch season, you can get a newly published Native Sparrow Identification Poster in addition to the Project’s standard research kit, but only if you join between now and October 8th.

Project FeederWatch is an annual survey of birds that takes place from November through April. You can count birds once a week, or once all winter, although birders are usually eager to share their sightings as often as called on – but everyone’s “schedule” is totally flexible. The Project provides you with all the information and resources to help you with bird identification and counting methods – and bird feeders are actually optional. Although more birds tend to focus on a feeding station, you don’t need a feeder; you can make your observations wherever you like to observe birds.

In addition to individual birders, many school classes participate – some during a science or biology class, some during school club meetings led by interested teachers. Classes of students participating in Project FeederWatch range from primary and middle school grades to high school and college classes.

There is a small annual FeederWatch participation cost that covers everything you need to get started, including a backyard bird identification poster, a calendar to help you remember your counting days, and an app to easily keep track of your bird observations. To learn more about Project FeederWatch you can refer to FeederWatch - Count Feeder Birds for Science and to join or renew now, see Join, Renew, or Donate - FeederWatch

Research conducted by Project FeederWatch would not be possible without participating birders like you, and you will receive information created by the accumulated statistics in the form of a variety of publications. In fact, you can refer to previous years’ of bird counts in individual states and provinces at Project FeederWatch Reports by State and you can see photographs shared by other FeederWatch participants anytime. It’s all great fun and you can learn a surprising amount of information about birds in the process.

Share your backyard birding experiences and photographs with The Birding Wire at editorstbw2@gmail.com