The many fans of watching local birds can now turn their passion into meaningful research through Project FeederWatch. Facilitated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Project FeederWatch involves volunteers across the nation helping scientists monitor bird life in North America. The final result is a comprehensive report and publication.
Sign ups for the project take place from March 1st to the end of February and the actual observations occur from November through early April. Birdwatchers are instructed to count the types and number of birds in an area at a certain point in time. This approach keeps participants from counting a bird multiple times and allows for flexibility in scheduling.
Those who take part in the count receive some great tools and information. The package sent to participants includes a tally sheet, a publication on feeding birds, a calendar, a poster to aid in identifying birds, and instructions on all of the above. The annual fee is $15 which covers most of the expense of the operation, and includes a newsletter subscription.
Data collected in Project FeederWatch is featured in science publications and frequently used by ornithologists and birdwatchers throughout North America. The count provides a real opportunity to contribute to the well-being and research of birds that share our habitat. Another benefit is finding previously unknown birds in the neighborhood.
FeederWatch is definitely an equal opportunity event. Participants come from every background and walk of life: Retired persons, youth organizations, nature centers, birdwatching clubs, kids, school classes, and individuals. Learning opportunities abound for both groups and families. The bottom line is that anyone who admires birds is welcome to join.
Participants are free to choose how much time they invest. Organizers of the project provide many options for when and how long to count birds. As the main approach is to provide numbers for a set span of time, those with busy schedules and small amounts of recreational time can still provide meaningful results.
Picking a spot to count birds is up to the discretion of participants. Areas of the yard that include a birdhouse or bird feeder are a logical choice, but by no means the rule. Those who love to watch birds will have a good idea of where to find them. Instructions provided by the project will also include guidelines on how to identify good areas for counting.
Being a FeederWatcher provides multiple rewards for those who enjoy birding. Participants are given a unique opportunity to closely observe birds and help in their conservation at the same time. Project materials sent to the counters also make a nice bonus.
Sign ups for the project take place from March 1st to the end of February and the actual observations occur from November through early April. Birdwatchers are instructed to count the types and number of birds in an area at a certain point in time. This approach keeps participants from counting a bird multiple times and allows for flexibility in scheduling.
Those who take part in the count receive some great tools and information. The package sent to participants includes a tally sheet, a publication on feeding birds, a calendar, a poster to aid in identifying birds, and instructions on all of the above. The annual fee is $15 which covers most of the expense of the operation, and includes a newsletter subscription.
Data collected in Project FeederWatch is featured in science publications and frequently used by ornithologists and birdwatchers throughout North America. The count provides a real opportunity to contribute to the well-being and research of birds that share our habitat. Another benefit is finding previously unknown birds in the neighborhood.
FeederWatch is definitely an equal opportunity event. Participants come from every background and walk of life: Retired persons, youth organizations, nature centers, birdwatching clubs, kids, school classes, and individuals. Learning opportunities abound for both groups and families. The bottom line is that anyone who admires birds is welcome to join.
Participants are free to choose how much time they invest. Organizers of the project provide many options for when and how long to count birds. As the main approach is to provide numbers for a set span of time, those with busy schedules and small amounts of recreational time can still provide meaningful results.
Picking a spot to count birds is up to the discretion of participants. Areas of the yard that include a birdhouse or bird feeder are a logical choice, but by no means the rule. Those who love to watch birds will have a good idea of where to find them. Instructions provided by the project will also include guidelines on how to identify good areas for counting.
Being a FeederWatcher provides multiple rewards for those who enjoy birding. Participants are given a unique opportunity to closely observe birds and help in their conservation at the same time. Project materials sent to the counters also make a nice bonus.
About the Author:
Bill Stewart is a devoted outdoorsman who has watched birds on four continents. Following these passions, he has developed Internet sites for finding quality bird feeders and binoculars.. This article, The Great American Bird Count is released under a creative commons attribution license.