Fall FeederWatch Begins

Red-bellied woodpecker

Free to members or with admission to the sculpture garden.

For the fourth year in a row, Lynden is a registered site for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch. The main goal of this citizen science project is to combine the interests of backyard bird watchers with the needs of ornithologists who study bird populations. By making simple, standardized counts of the birds in their yards (or, in this case, at Lynden) and reporting them to the FeederWatch database, FeederWatchers contribute directly to the scientific understanding of bird populations. These observations help scientists study changes in the distribution and abundance of feeder birds over time.

We have established bird feeders on the grounds, using the recommended seeds to attract birds through the seasons. We have binoculars and color charts to help us identify the birds at our feeder. Now, we need bird viewers of all ages and experience levels to join us on our siting days to help tally our observations for the project. You can visit the FeederWatch website and download their very useful handbook.

Lynden’s fall FeederWatch season begins November 13-14. If you are interested in participating, contact Naomi Cobb at ncobb@lyndensculpturegarden.org, and she will set up a time to train you in FeederWatch procedures and determine your observation schedule.

For more information, visit http://www.lyndensculpturegarden.org/feederwatch.