Join The Winter Bird Watching Project

DERBY — The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Kellogg Environmental Center invites families, retired persons, home school families, and backyard bird watchers to learn about and sign up for a winter bird research project on Saturday, November 3, from 1 to 3:30 pm.

The workshop will introduce participants to “Project Feeder Watch,” a nationwide, volunteer research effort that monitors the distribution and population of winter bird species such as house finches, goldfinches, downy woodpeckers, and black-capped chickadees across the country. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology developed the project 12 years ago. Participants monitor and count the number of birds that are using their bird feeders during two consecutive days in each of two periods between November and March each year.

The data is carefully recorded and sent to Cornell University for compilation and analysis. The winter results are summarized in an annual report and is sent to all participants.

This activity is well suited for students, teachers, retired individuals, individuals who already feed birds in their yards, who have an interest in birds, or who enjoy watching wildlife. Following the workshop, participants will be invited to sign up for a day, two, or more of monitoring the center’s feeding station for “Project Feeder Watch.” Handouts and hot refreshments will be available. Also, an attractive poster of winter feeder bird species and other items will be raffled off to the first 12 participants.

To register, phone the center at 203-734-2513 between 9 am and 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. The Kellogg Environmental Center, operated by DEP’s Office of Communications and Education, is at 500 Hawthorne Avenue/Route 34.