# Project FeederWatch

Cornell Lab of Ornithology's November-April citizen-science bird survey: count birds at home on your own schedule and submit data used in real ornithology research. $18 annual fee for US participants.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | $18 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Program dates | 2026-11-01 to 2027-04-30 |
| Apply | https://feederwatch.org/join-or-renew/ |

## About this program

# Project FeederWatch

Project FeederWatch is a long-running citizen-science survey operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. From November 1 through April 30 each year, tens of thousands of participants across North America count the birds that visit their backyards, schoolyards, nature centers, and community areas, building one of ornithology's most important datasets on winter bird distribution and abundance.

## What You'll Do

- Sign up and receive the research kit and instructions, then pick your count site - a feeder is not even required, just any outdoor viewing area
- Count birds as often as you like: 'you can count every week or once all winter, for as much or as little time as you like'
- Submit counts online or through the app, learning bird identification as you go
- Watch your data join continent-wide maps and analyses published by Cornell Lab scientists

## Who Should Apply

Anyone - the Lab explicitly welcomes 'children, families, individuals, classrooms, retired persons, youth groups, nature centers, and bird clubs,' making it a genuine at-home research role for middle and high school students. The annual participation fee is $18 for US residents, which funds materials, data systems, and analysis.

## Outcomes

Students practice real protocol-driven data collection over a full season and contribute to peer-reviewed science on bird populations; serious participants build identification skills and a documented citizen-science track record that pairs well with biology and environmental science interests.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Project FeederWatch cost?

Project FeederWatch costs $18. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Project FeederWatch?

Project FeederWatch is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Project FeederWatch online or in person?

Project FeederWatch is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Project FeederWatch?

Apply directly through Cornell Lab of Ornithology's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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