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
Jack Swelstad
Green Bay, WI, United States
Eye problems
Downy Woodpecker with eye disease
I have a female downy woodpecker that seems to have a growth on her left eye. She is very friendly and doesn’t seem to be in distress. It almost looks like a cone coming out of her eye. It’s not swollen or runny.
I also have a female downy that has obvious eye problem. She can’t close her beak. She’s been going back and forth from the homemade suit to a bare tree. Then visits the birdbath for water. She doesn’t seem to be afraid of me while I’m on the porch. She’s obviously in distress to not be afraid. Not sure what to do.
Hi Jean, This bird may be sick. We recommend taking down and cleaning your feeders. The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to regularly clean them, and leave them down for a few days after you see a sick bird so that it is encouraged to disperse. If you’re particularly worried about an individual, please contact your local certified wildlife rehabilitator first before taking any action. They have the federal permits necessary to handle and treat wildlife, and can often offer advice over the phone. To learn more about sick birds and get tips on how best to clean your feeders, check out our Sick Birds and Bird Diseases webpage.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.