How are FeederWatch data used?

Project FeederWatch data are used to document and understand the distribution and abundance of birds that visit feeders in North America.

The massive amounts of data collected by FeederWatchers across the continent help scientists understand

• long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance
• the timing and extent of winter irruptions of winter finches and other species.
• expansions or contractions in the winter ranges of feeder birds
• the kinds of foods and environmental factors that attract birds
• how disease is spread among birds that visit feeders

FeederWatch information and results are regularly published in

• Scientific Journals
            - The Condor 
            - The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

• Regional Birding, Garden, and Nature Newsletters
            - Birdscope, newsletter of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
            - BirdWatch Canada, newsletter of Bird Studies Canada

• National Magazines
            - Audubon Magazine
            - Birder's World
            - BirdWatchers Digest
            - Birds and Bloom

• Newspapers nationwide

As a FeederWatcher, you will learn more about winter birds and how their populations are faring. You'll also be glad to contribute to the science and conservation of North American feeder birds.