Take Part in Project FeederWatch at Moose Hill

Observing backyard birds can not only be a great introduction to identifying different species but also an easy introduction to community science. With the help of community volunteers from all over North America, Project FeederWatch gives everyone the opportunity to be a scientist and contribute to an important database. This fall and winter, you can take part in this project at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.

Project FeederWatch participants collect data from their backyards, nature centers, or other public areas that birds frequent. Data collected via Project FeederWatch helps scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada piece together fairly accurate population maps and identify species that are on a population decline. With this information, they can investigate if the reason has to do with weather, natural food supply and abundance, or if it’s a steadier decline that indicates a much bigger problem like a lack of suitable habitat or an increase in a competitive species’ population.

How to Participate at Moose Hill

Moose Hill has been contributing to the data with the help of program participants for the last couple of winters.

Take part by signing up for a Project FeederWatch program and count birds from the warmth and comfort of our Sun Room overlooking the bird feeders in the native pollinator garden.

Educators provide count sheets and all the bird identification tools you will need like books, bird cards, and binoculars.

Enhance your skills by taking part in a Birding 101 program, which always takes place right before Project FeederWatch.