Project FeederWatch

A November-April survey of birds that engages people in backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America, Project FeederWatch is a participatory science study operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada.

A program that welcomes participants across the U.S. and Canada, Project FeederWatch is accessible to people of all skill levels and backgrounds, including children, families, individuals, classrooms, retired persons, youth groups, nature centers, and bird clubs.

The project is run by non-profit organizations, so there is a nominal fee to participate, which helps pay for project materials and infrastructure.

Participants sign up, select a site, count birds regularly from November 1 to April 30, and submit observational data through the website or mobile app. The website provides information about feeding and identifying birds, as well as reports created from the data submitted by participants. Participants may opt to receive print materials, such as posters and calendars, when they sign up.

What can Project FeederWatch offer land trusts?

Consider using Project FeederWatch to engage your community while gathering meaningful bird data. You could involve visitors in hands-on monitoring, helping them connect with the mission of your land trust and learn about local wildlife. Establish feeders at preserves or offices and start tracking bird activity over time, with the help of staff and volunteers. Use FeederWatch as an entry point for volunteers to later contribute to eBird or other bird monitoring efforts.

FeederWatch is also a valuable outreach opportunity. Land trusts can encourage members to participate by recording birds at their own feeders, contributing meaningful data to a larger conservation effort. Sharing program highlights or results through newsletters and social media can demonstrate how individual observations advance bird science. Over time, this information can help grow a community of people who care about birds and help them see how your stewardship is benefiting local species.