Project Feeder Watch

I am participating in a project sponsored by the Cornell University school of Ornithology. it is called project feeder watch. They collect information from people all over the country on how many and which species show up at out feeders. Great fun. if you have the time and want to help contact just type in Project Feeder Watch on google and the information will come up.

My spouse decided I ought to have a frivolous Christmas gift, so ignored my more practical suggestions and got me a motion activated wildlife camera. Project feeder watch was one of the uses I thought of for it. I haven't tried it out yet - I'm still trying to decide how and where to mount it.

I've participated in PFW for 8 seasons now. Its very interesting to look back and see what birds show up at the feeders and when.

I used my camera last year when we had a Pine Siskin invasion. Had to take a picture in order to count them there were so many. I like the idea of a wildlife camera.

I've talked to several people who have feeders about PFW. They don't want to join because of the fee. Good grief, its only 3 or 4 cups of starbucks worth!

Love the new website. Its so much easier to enter data and check for mistakes.

The yardstick in photo 2 is a clever idea. What is the little hawk (?) in photo 4?

I had DH put up the yardstick. Several years ago I had Hairy woodpeckers as well as Downey's. I had a spot on my PB log I knew how long it was and could see the difference. I was hoping to see a Hairy at the suet this season, but none so far.

temps were -3 last night and the feeders were extremely active at first light. Had a red belly feeding on the ground. First time I have seen this. Also had nine male cardinals at the feeders. Quite a sight!