For the Birds…AND You 🐦
[Project FeederWatch / Citizen Science Recruitment]
More than half of North America’s bird species migrate and alter their diets each winter in response to the changing seasons. Even in the short and usually mild winters of South Texas, many species—such as Northern mockingbirds, black-crested titmice, Northern cardinals, and house finches—augment their diets with seed from birdfeeders.
To help scientists track changes in the abundance, health, and distribution of wild bird species, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has conducted a census of North American bird species each winter since 1987.
Why Texas Needs More FeederWatchers
The FeederWatch project is primarily self-sustaining, relying on a reasonable annual membership fee of $15 per participant or school. In the most recent season, over 11,000 people from across North America participated in Project FeederWatch, including 256 individuals from Texas. Given our state’s tremendous avian diversity, I feel certain that if more Texas bird and nature lovers knew of this project, they too would join.
Justin and I have been FeederWatch members for the past two years, and have seen our appreciation and knowledge of wild bird species increase dramatically as a result. The program can be enjoyed by everyone from retirees to classes of grade and high school students and entire families.
How FeederWatching Works
Feederwatching is simple. All you need is at least one bird feeder that you observe for two consecutive days every couple weeks. You can watch for as little or as long as you like, and you don’t have to be an expert who can identify a golden-cheeked warbler while blindfolded.
Upon joining Project FeederWatch, you receive an information packet and data booklet for submitting your observations at winter’s end. Included in the data packet are two full-color posters featuring common feeder birds of eastern and western North America. Everything you need to know about feederwatching, including what to stock your feeder(s) with, is included in the information packet.
Getting Started
Although annual counts begin in November and end in April, you may join Project FeederWatch at any time. For more information visit the Project FeederWatch website.
Join today! You won’t regret it.
Choosing the Right Feeder & Attracting Your Target Species
| Feeder Type | Bird Species | Food Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Feeder | American Goldfinch, House Finch, Black-crested Titmouse, Chickadees | Nyjer seed, black oil sunflower seeds |
| Hopper Feeder | Northern Cardinal, Blue Jays, Grosbeaks, Sparrows | Mixed seed, sunflower seeds |
| Platform Feeder | Doves, Juncos, Northern Mockingbird, Towhees | Mixed seed, cracked corn, mealworms |
| Suet Feeder | Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Nuthatches, Wrens, Creepers | Suet cakes (high-fat content) |
| Nectar Feeder | Hummingbirds, Orioles | Sugar water (1:4 ratio, no dye) |