FeederWatch for Groups
Each year educational groups participate in Project FeederWatch. Scout troops use the project to help meet the requirements for the Bird Study Merit Badge. For example, Project FeederWatch can help scouts learn to identify 20 species–the 5th requirement for the Bird Study badge. The project can also help Girl Scouts earn their Wildlife Badge as well as an All About Birds Interest Project Award.
Other groups participate as a way to learn more about birds and nature. One 4-H student won a science award based on her FeederWatch participation and represented her state at the National 4-H Congress. Read her story.
Project FeederWatch can help engage children in the excitement of nature study and the wonder of scientific investigation by
- encouraging careful observation and note-taking
- stimulating children to ask questions about the natural world
- encouraging independent study
- providing opportunities for meaningful Internet use and exploration
Options for Group Participation
Option 1: Group Members Observe a Shared Location
A group can choose a single count site location and observe together or observe on a rotating schedule. For example, some groups gather and count together while other groups schedule group members to count at different times, extending the amount of time the site is observed. All members share a single tally, often using a white board. With this option, only one registration is required since only one set of data will be submitted for the single location. The group can register under one name or the name of an institution, if they are counting from a nature center or school, for example. If you plan to count from an institution, please check to be sure the institution isn’t already participating. If data submission will be shared between multiple group members, we recommend signing up with an email address that the representatives have access to and using that same email address to create an account that can be shared with all who might submit counts in the current season or in the future.
If you are an educational group leader, you may use the coupon code PFWEDU in our online store for a $5 discount on the registration fee.
Option 2: Group Members Observe from Individual Locations
The group can provide bird identification and bird feeding information to its members, and each group member can participate in Project FeederWatch from their own feeder sites. Any group in the U.S. with an educational component can take advantage of the educational discount. Have each participant in your group sign up with the coupon code GROUPRATE in our online store to receive a $5 discount.