Backyard birdwatchers across Canada are invited to take part in the 25th season of Project FeederWatch, from Saturday, November 12 through Friday, April 6. With each season, FeederWatch increases in importance as a unique and indispensable monitoring tool for more than 100 bird species that winter in North America. Last year, over 2,500 Canadians and 11,000 Americans counted backyard birds; their observations help scientists better understand the health and behavior of birds - an important indicator species for the well being of our planet.

Each checklist submitted by 'FeederWatchers' helps scientists at Bird

Studies Canada http://www.birdscanada.org and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology http://www.birds.cornell.edu learn more about where birds are, how they are doing, and how to protect them.

Participating in Project FeederWatch is a great way for families and

friends to connect with nature, have fun, and help birds. You do not

have to be an expert to participate - we'll send you a poster of common birds, and help is just a phone call or email away.

Participants choose how much time they want to dedicate to the

project. They are asked to select their own 2-day count period once

every 2 weeks, and then count for as little as 15 minutes (or as long

as they like) on one or both of those days. Sightings are entered

online at www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pfw or reported on paper data forms and mailed in at the end of the season.

Participating in Project FeederWatch is fun! One participant said, "I

have been doing FeederWatch since 1975 and have enjoyed every year. My whole family is now hooked on identifying birds and counting them. Thanks for the fun!" Data from FeederWatchers have helped scientists learn about changes in the distribution and abundance of feeder birds over time, expansions and contractions in their winter ranges, the spread of disease in bird populations, and the kinds of habitats and foods that attract birds.

There are four ways to register or get more information on Project FeederWatch in Canada:

Bird Studies Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to

bird research and conservation. For further information contact:

Kerrie Wilcox, Canadian Coordinator

Project FeederWatch

Bird Studies Canada

Tel. 519-586-3531 ext. 134 or 1-888-448-2473

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Project FeederWatch is a joint project of Bird Studies Canada and the

Cornell Lab of Ornithology.