Project FeederWatch November 2022 - April 2023
Winter Counting With Project FeederWatch By Lauren Cusimano
The FeederWatch counting season runs from November to April and is a survey of birds that visit our porches, public areas, and other outdoor spots across North America during the winter months. The program is exactly what it sounds like — you watch birds as they feed, count them, and enter your date online. According to the website — FeederWatch — your findings will “contribute to a continental data-set of bird distribution and abundance.” This will also allow FeederWatch scientists to analyze “winter bird abundance and distribution.”
As bird feeders can be problematic in Alaska, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommends bird feeders be taken down due to bear activity from April to October. Luckily the FeederWatch data collection runs the opposite months of the year. (But here are other considerations to ensure bird safety, and some excellent tips are listed at fws.gov/story/feed-or-not-feed-wildbirds).
The program, overseen by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, has been around since 2016. Cost is $18 in the United States, which gets you instructional materials, digital access to Living Bird magazine and other birding publications, and more.
Visit Join, Renew, or Donate - FeederWatch.
October Big Day/ Migratory Bird Day 2022 Global Bird Day October 8, 2022
Mark your calendars for October Big Day—8 October 2022! Big Days are a 24-hour opportunity to celebrate birds near and far. Last October, more than 32,000 people from 195 countries submitted 78,000 checklists with eBird, demonstrating the power of birds to bring people together.
Wherever you are on 8 October, take a few minutes to join the world of birding on October Big Day. Participate from anywhere—even home! By taking part in October Big Day you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. Be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding.
