backyard bird feeder in the Kawartha Lakes region being used for the Project FeederWatch program

Turn your bird feeder into a research lab with Project FeederWatch

Many of us who live in the Kawartha Lakes region are captivated by the flurry of feathers and chirps around our backyard bird feeders. Birdwatching is a rewarding hobby, but did you know your feeder can also contribute to critical scientific research?

Project FeederWatch, is a Birds Canada and Cornell Lab of Ornithology initiative, empowers everyday bird enthusiasts to turn their feeders into hubs of data collection. By participating, you’ll not only enrich your connection to nature but also be playing a vital role in assisting scientists who are studying bird populations.

What Is Project FeederWatch?

Project FeederWatch is a citizen science program that has been operating since 1987. Over 30,000 people across North America participate in the program each year.

Designed for bird lovers of all ages and skill levels, the program invites participants to observe, count and record the birds visiting their feeders during the winter months from Nov. 1 to April 30. The data that’s collected is then submitted to scientists. They use it to monitor bird populations, track migration patterns, and detect changes in species’ ranges.

What scientists have learned from Project FeederWatch

Here are just a few examples of what the data collected from bird enthusiasts participating in the program has helped scientists with:

Detecting declines in species like the Evening Grosbeak.
Observing the northward expansion of species like the Northern Cardinal.
Recognizing that Robins have been seen sooner and at a greater percentage of Project FeederWatch sites in recent years compared to the 1980s and 1990s.
Discovering an uptick in several Woodpecker species in Canada.
Declaring that many Cooper’s Hawks have changed there wintering strategy from migrating to Mexico to staying north. Why? Because they have learned that bird feeders are an excellent source of prey.

What data does Project FeederWatch want you to collect?

As a Kawartha Lakes participant in Project FeederWatch, you’ll record simple yet crucial data. This includes counting the number of individual birds of each species that visit your feeder, noting the time and duration of your observations, and recording weather conditions.

How to join and participate

Getting started with Project FeederWatch is simple. Visit the Birds Canada website to sign up for a modest annual fee, which supports the program’s operations. Once registered, you’ll receive:

1 – A welcome kit with instructions

2 – A bird identification poster.

3 – Helpful resources that will allow you to confidently identify and record the birds that visit your feeder.

Then from Nov. 1 to April 30, you start observing and counting. How big of a commitment to Program FeederWatch you make is up to you. It can be as minimal as one two-day interval for the entire winter, or two-day intervals every week of the winter. And each interval can be for as little as 15 minutes.

How to submit your data

Project FeederWatch offers two convenient ways to submit your data. You can use the Project FeederWatch app or a paper data form. This form is included in your welcome kit. It can be mailed in to program coordinators via the post office.

Emotional and practical benefits of participating

Being part of Project FeederWatch is deeply rewarding. Emotionally, it offers a sense of purpose and connection. Knowing that your observations of birds in the Kawartha Lakes region will be contributing to meaningful scientific work will foster pride and fulfillment. Practically, it will sharpen your bird identification skills. It’s also an excellent way to bond with family and friends over a shared appreciation for nature.

Congratulations! You’ve discovered a new winter activity–Project FeederWatch

Project FeederWatch makes an everyday activity even more meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, this program offers a chance to play a role in important scientific research. So, join the flock. Turn your backyard feeder into a research lab today!