Birds are outdoors no matter what the weather is. So you can watch them from the comfort of your home be participating with Project Feeder Watch to engage with the birds and wildlife right in your neighborhood.

Project FeederWatch is survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, etc. in North America during the winter months. FeederWatchers count the birds they see at their feeders during the specified winter months and report their sightings to Project FeederWatch. The data from these many observers is very helpful for scientists who are tracking overall movements of winter bird populations. It is now possible to see some long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance for many species.

It is a simple and creative way for the everyday citizen to participate in genuine scientific research of value. Project FeederWatch effectively monitors the distribution and abundance of many winter bird species.

Project FeederWatch is managed by Cornell University Ornithology Lab in partnership with Bird Studies-Canada, the National Wildlife Federation and Audubon Society and has many contributing members and partners beyond their borders. Members pay a small fee to participate in the annual count. CU Lab members pay $12. Canadian participants pay $35. The fees include materials, staff support, data analysis and an annual report of results.

So what do these birdwatcher actually do? It is barely more than watching birds that come to their bird feeders. Every bird watcher participant claims the site where they will be observing and counting birds. This minimizes duplication of efforts. Each time a birder counts and observes only the highest number of bird species are counted. That also reduces confusion.

The season for Project FeederWatch begins in November on the second Saturday. It continues for 21 weeks all the way into early April. You can still register as late as February for this year’s count. This program is been running for 13 years. Additional bird counts of special interest include the Christmas Count and the Great Backyard Birding Count.

The serious birdwatcher can use this program to really focus on improving bird identification skills. Actually, that is also true for the beginning birder. By observing often and up close you notice different traits and behaviors of birds. You count birds two days in a row every two weeks as a minimum. Many birdwatchers count once a week and report their data online.

Project FeederWatch has grown since its 1970’s origins with 500 members in Ontario. Now the materials they provide are excellent resources for teachers and bird lovers alike. The first year of the international scope had 4000 birdwatchers reporting from Canada to Hawaii. Now, there are more than 15,000 birdwatchers with the program.

You can become a proactive birdwatcher.Local bird counts are often fun and engaging. Learn to identify birds quickly with Donna Bessken’s BirdWatching ECourse. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory