Would you like to become a feederwatch site within the Minnewaska-Shawangunk Christmas Bird Count circle? Please see below to see how you can join.
Confirm your site
All feederwatch sites must fall within the boundaries of the Minnewaska-Shawangunk CBC circle. Check to see if your site falls within the circle by visiting this map.
Find out which area you are in
The Minnewaska-Shawangunk CBC circle is divided into many parts, known as areas or sectors. Check to see which area your feeder site would fall within by visiting this map.
Get ready for the count
Make sure to count the number of birds only on the count day. Any birds observed at the feeders during the count week (three days before the count day and three days after the count day) are indicated with a “cw” in the number field on the datasheet.
Download a copy of the feederwatch data form and review beforehand:
PDF version (digital – download and fill out on computer. Adobe Acrobat is recommended)
PDF version (print – for printing out at home and filling out with pen or pencil)
SAMPLE datasheet – a datasheet that has been filled out with sample data, as an example.
Ways to watch
You may watch your feeder which ever way that you choose. But, make sure to log the total amount of time that you spent watching your feeder. Two styles of watching are:
• A few brief check-ins (5-10 minute blocks) during the day.
• A solid block of time (30-60 minute blocks) a few times during the day.
Strategies & methods
If you have participated in other feederwatching events, such as Project FeederWatch, the method of counting should be very similar, if not identical.
• Count the maximum individuals of each species at your feeder at one time.
• Birds attracted to trees, shrubs, fruit, and feeder birds (raptors might!) may be counted, provided that the local field team in your area would not be observing them.
Watch a video from Project FeederWatch that illustrates this counting process:
NYMS CBC 