You can use paper data forms to submit your data, but since you’re already on the Internet, we encourage you to try submitting your data online (see How to Begin online data entry).

If you do choose online data entry, we encourage you to submit your data after each count period. This will reduce your work load at the end of the season and allow us to map the movements of birds across the continent as they happen.  You will always be able to access your past counts online. 

If you are reporting your counts on the paper data forms, refer to the Instruction Booklet that came in the kit for information on how to fill out the paper forms. Please mail your completed data forms back to us as soon as possible after the season ends in April. Scanning forms is a time consuming process, and late forms may not be added to the data base before our year-end report is written.

You may see an unusual looking bird during the FeederWatch season. Learn how to report rare, sick, or unusual birds.

What if my counts are low or my birds are "boring"?

Some people become frustrated when the only birds at their feeders on Count Days are common species. Another source of frustration is a complete lack of birds. Please continue to report your results, even if they seem boring to you. Low counts are just as important as "super" counts, when many birds of various species are reported. If everyone only reported data from super counts, we would have an overly optimistic picture of bird populations. Learn more why all counts are important.