Port Rowan, ON – As the days grow shorter and winter settles in, thousands of Canadians are once again taking part in Project FeederWatch, a beloved Citizen Science initiative that helps scientists track bird populations across North America. Running now through April 30, 2025, Project FeederWatch invites people of all ages and skill levels to contribute valuable data on winter bird abundance, a crucial tool for understanding how bird populations are faring during the colder months.
The FeederWatch season takes place
November 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025.
For the past 38 years, Project FeederWatch has provided essential insights into bird distribution and abundance during winter—a critical time when many species face tough survival challenges. The data gathered by participants helps scientists across Canada monitor long-term trends in bird populations, allowing them to identify shifts in species’ numbers and movements, and assess how climate change is impacting bird survival.
“Winter is a vulnerable time for birds, and the data collected through Project FeederWatch is vital for understanding their survival strategies and the overall health of bird populations,” says Olivia Carvalho, Birds Canada’s program lead. “Every bird count helps us gain a clearer picture of how different species are coping with environmental changes. This program is an incredible way for Canadians to learn backyard bird ID and make a direct impact on bird conservation efforts.”
Project FeederWatch is an easy and engaging way to participate in science from home. Whether you have a bird feeder or simply enjoy watching birds in your yard or local park, you can join the effort. Participants count birds in their backyards for as little as 15 minutes a week, recording their observations online or through the FeederWatch app.
Not only does FeederWatch help scientists track bird populations, but it also plays a role in broader conservation research. This year, participants are also encouraged to report observations of mammals, sick birds, and any mental health benefits they experience from birdwatching as part of an ongoing study by Virginia Tech University.
Join the Movement
Project FeederWatch is a joint program between Birds Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, made possible with support from Armstrong Bird Food and Wild Birds Unlimited It is through the dedication of thousands of volunteers across Canada and the United States and generous donations from supporters that Project FeederWatch is now in its 38th seasons. To help ensure the continued success of this important project, Canadians are invited to join by making a donation of any amount through Birds Canada. Your support will help fund bird conservation efforts and the vital research that informs protection measures for North American bird species.
“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, supports our work to protect birds and their habitats,” says Carvalho. “By making a donation, you’re directly contributing to the future of bird conservation in Canada.”
To register, visit Birds Canada’s FeederWatch page and help ensure the continued success of this important initiative.
About Birds Canada and Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Project FeederWatch is a joint initiative between Birds Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This collaboration brings together leading experts from both organizations to provide crucial data for bird conservation efforts across North America. Through programs like Project FeederWatch, we empower individuals and families to contribute to the protection of birds and their habitats through simple, engaging Citizen Science.
Canada Media Contact:
Olivia Carvalho, Birds Canada, ocarvalho@birdscanada.org, (519) 586-3531 ext. 307
For questions and interviews, please contact Olivia Carvalho, Canadian FeederWatch coordinator.
