Project Feeder Watch

This year we are participating in Project Feeder Watch. This is a great program run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It helps them track and monitor bird populations across the USA and Canada. We've done it before, but haven't in quite a few years. I thought it would be a fun way for the children to learn some of our local birds and well, I just love any excuse to watch the birds.

We've had a good variety of birds with 15 species so far, including the little Goldfinches. I have been very happy with the activity at the feeders.

We offer a wide variety of feeder types and feed, including black oil sunflower seed, peanuts, Nyjer seed, suet and a few combinations. We also provide water all winter with a heated bird bath.

The Cardinals are always so beautiful against the snow.

Blue Jays are regular visitors and are a bit bullyish on the feeders, but they are so funny and colorful.

We have three species of woodpeckers that visit the feeders most days, including this little Downy Woodpecker.

Here is a list of all the feeds/feeders and birds we've observed so far this winter season.

Feeders:
Tubes
Hoppers
Platform
Suet cage
Peanut ring
Nyjer tube
peanut butter/suet dough log
Heated bird bath

Food types:
Black oil sunflower
Finch mix
Suet cakes and dough
Whole peanuts
Fruit & nut mix
Peanut butter

Species of birds:
Black-capped Chickadee
Dark-eyed Junco
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Goldfinch
House Finch
Northern Cardinal
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Mourning Dove
Tufted Titmouse
Red-bellied Woodpecker
American Tree Sparrow
Hairy Woodpecker
White-throated Sparrow
House Sparrow