Project FeederWatch is a continent-wide citizen science program run by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology with individuals and groups making regular counts of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, and other locations throughout North America.  The counts are conducted from November through March, and the data that is   submitted help scientists track broad scale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.

North Mountain Park in Ashland will host weekly bird counts open to the public beginning in November as part of the Project FeederWatch program.  The free one-hour watches provide novice birders the easiest possible identification practice. Participants can expect unobstructed, close-up views of from ten to twenty species perched at feeders, with the valley’s top birder/educators available for help.  Binoculars and field guides are available for use, though it is best to bring binos you are familiar with if possible.  More experienced birders often attend, jumping at the chance to show off their knowledge as well as to swap tall avian tales with their peers.  Young people are encouraged to attend, if accompanied by an adult companion.  There is shelter in case of inclement weather.

North Mountain Park

620 N. Mountain Ave.
Ashland, OR 97520