Join Project Feeder Watch 2003/2004

Do you enjoy watching the birds at your feeders a couple hours each week during the winter months? And while you’re watching, would you be willing to record data about the weather, the species of birds you’re observing and their food choices? If your answers were yes, then you could be a citizen scientist! For the past 16 winters, people like you have been doing just that for Project Feeder Watch and it’s not too late to join this year’s team. (See below right for information about joining Project Feeder Watch this season).

In 1976, a Canadian conservation group started a feeder watch program at Long Point Bird Observatory in Ontario. As the data was submitted, project founder Erica Dunn realized that besides just learning interesting things about how many birds were visiting and what they liked to eat, she was creating an index of bird populations throughout the winter. Dunn thought the project was worth expanding and approached the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Project Feeder Watch went continent-wide in 1987 and today, close to 15,000 people participate.

The data submitted bi-weekly by Feeder Watch participants is used to analyze and draw conclusions about the birds we see everyday. It provides an overall picture of what is going on with backyard birds and the changes in their environment. As one feeder watcher remarked, “Birds are a barometer, and I feel we are using the data to test the health of the planet.” The ultimate goal is to prevent declines in bird populations.

So, get the whole family involved, have some fun and please help the birds this winter and in winters to come – join Project Feeder Watch now!

HOW TO JOIN
Register through:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods
Ithica, NY 14850
(http://birdsource.cornell.edu/pfw)
Cost to participate is $15/yr.