If you enjoy watching birds in your backyard, you can do more than just admire them—you can help scientists understand how bird populations are changing across North America.
FeederWatch is a winter-long citizen science project that invites everyday people to count and report the birds they see at feeders, yards, parks, and natural areas. Run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, the project takes place each year from November through April.Participation is simple and flexible. Choose a location you enjoy watching, count the birds you see on days that work for you, and submit your observations online or through the FeederWatch mobile app. You don’t need to be an expert—and you don’t even need a bird feeder. Whether you’re a beginner learning bird IDs or a seasoned birder, your observations matter.
The data collected by FeederWatch participants helps researchers track long-term trends in bird populations, migration patterns, and winter behavior. This information is especially valuable for understanding how birds are responding to habitat changes and climate shifts.
Beyond the science, FeederWatch offers something equally important: a deeper connection to nature. Many participants find that counting birds helps them slow down, learn more about local wildlife, and feel part of a larger community working together to protect birds.
Ready to get started? Visit feederwatch.org to join FeederWatch and turn your winter bird watching into meaningful conservation action.
Starts November 1 and runs through April 2026.