By Jess Garby
Do you enjoy watching birds at your feeders? Are you looking for a fun and meaningful winter project? Project FeederWatch is a wonderful way to turn your backyard observations into real science, and to connect with other bird enthusiasts across the Flathead Valley and beyond.
Project FeederWatch began in Ontario, Canada, in the 1970s and partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the mid-1980s. Each year from November through mid-April, participants across North America count the birds that visit their feeders, birdbaths, or natural areas. The data help researchers track winter bird movements and monitor long-term trends in species distribution and abundance, knowledge that becomes more valuable as our climate continues to change.
No experience is necessary to join, and no bird feeder or bird bath is required. When you sign up, you will receive a research kit, bird identification resources, and access to an interactive online tool that shows which foods and feeders attract nearly 100 common winter species. You can count birds as often or as infrequently as you like. There’s a small participation fee of $18 for U.S. residents ($15 for Cornell Lab members), which supports the project’s data analysis. Participants also receive a year end report and digital access to Living Bird, Cornell’s award-winning magazine.
Here in the Flathead, Project FeederWatch is a great way to stay connected with nature throughout the winter
months and to contribute valuable information about the birds that share our snowy landscape. To learn more or sign up, visit www.FeederWatch.org.
So set up your feeders, grab your binoculars, and join fellow Flathead birders in this fun and meaningful winter tradition.