FeederWatch
Tracking feeder birds through citizen science at Leif’s Bird Blind in Westcave’s Uplands.
Project FeederWatch is a bird survey jointly operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada. Each season, volunteers count birds visiting feeders to help researchers understand bird abundance, distribution, and movement across North America.
Season
Nov - Apr
Westcave Counts
129
Total Seasons
9
Species Observed
58
Project FeederWatch helps researchers identify where winter birds are — and where they are not. By combining thousands of local observations, scientists can map bird populations, detect long-term trends, and better understand how habitat loss and changing weather patterns affect feeder birds.
Because Westcave lies within the biodiverse Edwards Plateau ecoregion, it provides an excellent site for monitoring winter visitors. The preserve’s Live Oak and Ashe Juniper savannah supports a variety of avian species, making it an ideal place to document feeder bird diversity.
Why FeederWatch Matters
How The Program Works
Weekly Counts
During the FeederWatch season, volunteers count birds visiting the feeders at Leif’s Bird Blind.
Site-Based Monitoring
Leif’s Bird Blind was selected as the data collection site because it offers essential habitat and a reliable viewing area in the Uplands.
Research Contribution
Observations are entered into the Project FeederWatch database, where they contribute to broader scientific analysis and bird conservation research.