Data Entry Contest: Who do you FeederWatch with?
For the tenth season in a row, Project FeederWatch and our sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited are rewarding registered FeederWatchers with the chance to win prizes. Celestron has joined the fun by offering one pair of binoculars to each data entry contest winner as well. After entering counts into the FeederWatch website, participants have the opportunity to share a story, memory, or tip by clicking the “Enter to Win” button on the Count Summary page. We randomly select two winners per prompt. Our first Data Entry contest prompt of the 39th season was:
Who do you FeederWatch with? Do you appreciate solitude, or do you watch with a friend?
Congratulations to our winners, Elisa Schuitema and Christina Bradshaw!
Elisa shared:
I usually FeederWatch on my own, and I’ve grown to appreciate that quiet solitude more than I ever expected. Those moments outside help ground me, they pull me out of my head, settle my anxiety, and remind me to slow down and just be for a minute. Watching the birds has been a huge part of finding my way back to peace after a difficult period. But, every now and then, my husband or our pets wander out to join me, and it adds a whole different kind of joy. Whether I’m alone or sharing the moment, the birds bring a sense of calm, happiness, and connection that I really treasure.
Birdwatching has been found to have many mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. Whether you enjoy FeederWatching in peaceful solitude or together with loved ones, we are happy to hear that so many of our participants experience FeederWatch as a joyful and calming exercise that is restorative for the mind. Thank you for sharing your story, Elisa! Check out some of her incredible photos below.
Christina shared:
I first learned about Project FeederWatch through the Wild Birds Unlimited “Nature Centered” podcast. The program sparked an entire lesson plan that I implemented with my 6th grade ecology students this season. What started as a simple research activity has now evolved into a student lead habitat enhancement project. My students are now monitoring and maintaining a system of bird feeders outside our classroom windows. Their curiosity and creativity surrounding the birds have been absolutely beautiful to watch. My students are choosing to put down their digital devices to grab a clipboard, tally sheet, and binoculars for birding. Imagine 11-year-old boys cheering with enthusiasm for chickadees! It’s fantastic! When I’m away from the classroom on my weekends, I’m counting in my own backyard with my four-year-old daughter. Her favorite bird is the junco, so we sit together in our lawn chairs, hoping to catch a glimpse of her teeny, tiny “snowbird.” I’m so grateful for the way this project has allowed me to connect deeper with the people in my life and share my love of nature with the next generation.
FeederWatch is a fun way to learn about birds in the classroom and at home for all ages. If you are a teacher or parent looking to get your class or children involved in FeederWatch, check out our Educator Resources. It is wonderful to hear how Christina has been able to share this joy with her students and child and foster a deeper connection to nature through FeederWatch. Thank you for sharing your story, Christina, and cheers to many more “snowbirds” this season!
Thanks to everyone who participated and shared their stories for this first prompt – there were over 1000 submissions! Read the stories from past winners on our blog. Email feederwatch@cornell.edu with questions.
Interested in becoming a FeederWatcher? Join the fun now!