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The Great American Bird Count
The many fans of watching local birds can now turn their passion into meaningful research through Project FeederWatch. Facilitated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Project FeederWatch involves volunteers across the nation helping scientists monitor bird life in North America. The final result is a comprehensive report and publication.
The great public bird count is scheduled for November through April each year. Those wanting to take part in a given year must enroll by the end of February, and registration is continuously open. The task involves making a tally of the total birds seen at a specific point in time. This method prevents duplicate counting and avoids constant monitoring of the count area.
There is a $15 annual participation fee which covers the majority of the expense of the entire project. Participants receive a research kit which includes instructions, a bird identification poster, a wall calendar, a resource guide to bird feeding, and a tally sheet. U.S. participants also receive a subscription to the Lab of Ornithology's newsletter.
Information gathered by Project FeederWatch appears in science journals and is studied by scientists and bird enthusiasts throughout the country. Those who participate are contributing to valuable research and the conservation of bird species. They also gain a better understanding of local birds that frequent the neighborhood.
The bird count is open to every type of individual and group. Currently it includes people of all skill levels and backgrounds: Classrooms, individuals, families, children, bird clubs, nature centers, youth groups, and retired persons. The count provides great learning opportunities for families and organizations. In short, everyone with an appreciation for birds is welcome.
The amount of time spent counting birds is up to the participant. The FeederWatch organizers provide multiple scenarios for both days and hours invested. As the strategy is to count the birds present at a given point in time, those with little free time on their hands can still provide accurate information.
Picking a spot to count birds is up to the discretion of participants. Areas of the yard that include a birdhouse or bird feeder are a logical choice, but by no means the rule. Those who love to watch birds will have a good idea of where to find them. Instructions provided by the project will also include guidelines on how to identify good areas for counting.
Being a FeederWatcher provides multiple rewards for those who enjoy birding. Participants are given a unique opportunity to closely observe birds and help in their conservation at the same time. Project materials sent to the counters also make a nice bonus.
About the Author Follow this link to treat your wild birds to a bird feeder or birdhouse. To learn more about Project FeederWatch, visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/
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