It’s not too early to think about getting your backyard ready for winter bird watching. You can plan now to position feeders near windows and you can stock up on seeds and suet. Find a homemade suet recipe here.
To add to the fun, learn about the habits of your backyard birds by participating in Project FeederWatch. Anyone can participate and become a “citizen scientist”. The information you provide helps scientists at the Cornell Lab track changes in the numbers and distribution of birds across the continent. The more people that watch and report, the more they learn about birds in our winter landscape.
I really enjoyed my first season of participation (last year). It was especially fun because it was so unusually mild with very little snow. Although I only counted birds that actually came to my feeders, I enjoyed being able to get out hiking and see birds I would not normally see during the winter.
Do you participate? Let me know if you’re counting birds this winter!
Now in it’s 26th season, 50,000 people have participated. The new season begins November 10 and kits will be shipping soon. Sign up to receive your kit.
September birding tips for Minnesota:
- Keep your nectar feeders full as the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will prepare to migrate in late September or early October, depending on the weather.
- Migrating birds to watch for — Red-eyed Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and the Yellow Warbler.
- Oddly enough, there are still birds nesting this time of year! Watch for Mourning Doves to continue nesting; look for their nests conspicuous places. Other late-nesters — Northern Cardinals and Finches (Gold and House)
You inspire me, Paula!
Thanks, Lynn. You are so sweet!
[...] that have visited our feeders so far this year. I know the number because I am participating in Project FeederWatch again this [...]
[...] birds have been busy and I continue to count them at my feeders. A concern of late though — I haven’t seen our cardinal pair in a few weeks. [...]