Project FeederWatch

Bird Watching for Science: Join Project FeederWatch at Mitchell Lake!

Become a community scientist and help us monitor the birds visiting Mitchell Lake as part of Project FeederWatch, a continent-wide bird monitoring program!

As a FeederWatch volunteer, you’ll spend at least 15 minutes on the covered porch at Leeper House, watching our feeders and recording the birds you see. No prior experience is needed! We provide bird identification guides, tally sheets, and everything else you’ll need to participate.

If this is your first time joining us, we recommend signing up Tuesday-Saturday rather than Sunday so a staff member can walk you through the process and help you get started. Once you know the routine, you’re welcome to participate on Sundays as well!

This is a relaxing way for both newer and experienced birders to spend time with the birds while contributing to a much larger community science project. You can participate anytime during our open hours, Tuesday-Sunday, 8am - 3pm, for up to 4 hours. While observations on two consecutive days are encouraged for Project FeederWatch, single-day visits are also valuable and welcome.

What we provide:

• Comfortable, covered seating

• Visual guides to common feeder birds

• Tally sheets and writing materials

• Staff support with bird identification

By participating, you’ll help contribute valuable observations that researchers use to better understand changes in bird populations, distributions, and movements across North America.

Please allow up to 48 hours for registration approval. Registrations are reviewed during staff hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 8am - 3pm.

Trying to sign up between May 1 and October 31? Join us for our continuation of the project through Off-Season FeederWatch!