Find out what Project FeederWatch is, its history, and more
Find out how you FeederWatch, when you can FeederWatch, and what you'll need to do to get started
Review these instructions carefully before you count and enter data
Find out about types of feeders and types of foods, and where to place your feeder
Feeding Birds FAQs
Explore the winter distribution, food, and feeder preferences of common feeder birds.
Find out about color and plumage variations, bald heads, and deformed bills
Unusual Birds Gallery
Find out about bird disease and identifying the signs of bird disease
Sick Birds Gallery
Find out how to identify birds and download identification tools
Learn how to help birds as they seek out food sources, nesting habitat, protection, and more
Find educational resources for teachers, group leaders, and families
Find an article archive packed with lots of great bird study information
Learn about house finch eye disease
Review content from current and past BirdSpotter photo contests
Keep up to date with the latest FeederWatch happenings
These are exemplary FeederWatchers!
Send us your photos! Show us your count site, your birds, or you watching your site with loved ones!
Visit our live FeederWatch feedercams!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology feeders
Ontario (winter only)
See what birds occur the most by region
Explore species by state/province
See where FeederWatchers are
Graphs of regional population trends and distributions
Explore papers that have used FeederWatch data
Lab scientists analyze the data submitted by FeederWatch participants.
See birds well outside their winter range submitted to Project FeederWatch.
Start here for data entry and personal data review and exploration
Keep live track of your counts using the FeederWatch mobile app
Christina Baal
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, United States
There has been a Pileated Woodpecker cackling at me every day since winter term started. As I walk through the wooded path to my art classes, I can hear him laughing as he wings freely through the bare trees, a red-headed wraith in the winter starkness. One day, I catch a glimpse of that fire head and black wings as it streaks through the trees. Another day, I creep close enough to see its face as it works on a downed log. But whenever it senses my presence, it bolts. Finally, one day, I catch it ascending a tree right on the side of the path. I freeze, carefully waiting until it shifts to the back of the tree and I cannot see it. Then, heart pounding, I tiptoe as fast as I can towards the tree until it reappears. Camera at the ready, I begin to shoot- and can barely believe my eyes as the woodpecker takes a break from its hammering to look me in the eye.
Week 4: Woodpeckers
Taking a time-out from drumming to acknowledge my presence.
One of your best I’d say, Christina!
Absolutely gorgeous. Ms. Baal has such a way with both her photography and writing that I feel like I’m perched there with her, waiting for the shot, and admiring the intricacies of the bird’s gaze and motions. What an indescribable feeling so well transitioned.
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