Project Feeder Watch
Tuesday morning, the Nature Center’s staff was greeted to its largest quantity of visitors in quite some time. As our forest preschool classes held circle time, they were greeted with the eerily loud chatter of countless grackles swooping about. Looking up and around, our classes gazed in amazement upon all the tall and once baren tree branches now filled with the large black birds and their iridescent heads.
We caught this large flock in the middle of their yearly migration down south. This mass movement of birds is an indicator of the changing season. With that shift we are giddy with anticipation to see the birds who left for the summer season return to our feeders.
Here at Rye Nature Center, we love taking part in a special citizen science program called Project FeederWatch! Each winter, our staff and visitors enjoy relaxing on the back deck, sipping hot drinks, and watching the chickadees, cardinals, and nuthatches that stop by our feeders. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature while contributing to real scientific research.
Project FeederWatch runs from November through April and is a bird survey that helps scientists track bird populations and movement patterns across North America. Run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, this program invites people of all ages to observe and record the birds that visit their feeders, yards, or local green spaces.
Participation is simple: once you register online, you’ll receive instructions and identification materials to help you get started. Between November 1 and April 30, you choose two consecutive days every two weeks to count the birds you see. Your observations, whether from a rural backyard, an apartment balcony, or a community garden, contribute valuable data that scientists use to monitor changes in bird populations and distribution over time.
Want to join in?
Visit feederwatch.org
Set up a bird feeder in a visible spot and keep it stocked with seed or suet.
Record the species and numbers of birds you observe.
Submit your counts online through the FeederWatch website or app.
Even for environmental educators identifying birds from the feeders can be a bit tricky. Luckily, from field guides to useful apps like Merlin Bird ID, the Audubon app, and eBird are all frequently utilized by our staff to up our bird ID chops.
With a bit of tracking and attention, your backyard birdwatching can help researchers understand how birds respond to habitat changes, urbanization, and climate shifts—and it’s a fun way to bring more nature into your daily routine.
So, grab your binoculars, fill your feeders, and join us in watching the winter birds—right from your own backyard!
Looking for somewhere to source your birdseed? You’re in luck! Our conservation team has begun our yearly bird seed sale which runs from today until February 1st. You can get your order in by following this link!