Focus on Feeders, Feb. 6 & 7 2010

In backyards all over Cape Cod bird feeding has become a very popular winter activity. According to recent studies, over 40% of Cape Cod residents feed and closely watch birds and wildlife. As a result of this, Mass Audubon has been promoting backyard bird feeder surveys for over 40 years. Observations from these surveys have contributed in a big way to improved understanding of critical trends and patterns in bird life.
 
Learn more about the long history of feeder watching in Massachusetts. You will be amazed at some of the past results. You may also take a closer look at the specific results from Focus on Feeders 2009. You are strongly encouraged to join the fun knowing that participating is very easy. All you have to do is count the highest number of each bird species seen together in your backyard and at your feeders at any one time during the weekend of February 6 & 7th. You are asked to then report your observations online or fill out the official tally form and mail it in to Mass Audubon.

You can have fun doing this with family and friends. Field guides such as the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of North America will be very helpful to have on hand even for the most experienced birders. Unexpected visitors have a way of showing up and your ability to make a positive identification will help a lot. Prizes will be given out in several categories to participants. Photos showing the birds you observed as well how they behaved on or near your feeders are also welcome. A photo contest will also be part of the fun! For more information click on Focus on Feeders, the very informative Mass Audubon web page about Birds and Birding or the recently published State of Birds Report from the U.S. Department of the Interior. As a reminder, you may want to consider signing up to receive “The Warbler” an e-newsletter from Mass Audubon on birds, birding, and bird conservation.

Enjoy,

Craig Gibson
Woods Hole