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Focus on Feeders 2009
Results & Photo Contest Winners
We would like to thank the nearly 1,000 backyard bird feeding enthusiasts from across Massachusetts
who took part in this fun and educational annual event. Focus on Feeders helps to raise conservation
awareness, and further Mass Audubon's efforts to protect wildlife and habitat in Massachusetts.
A few highlights from the 2009 event:
- Nearly 50 different species were reported. See distribution maps of the species observed in the greatest numbers:
Map of species by town.
- The biggest change in 2009 was in the numbers of Pine Siskins observed. In past years, Pine Siskins have averaged less than 0.1 birds per observer; this year the numbers were 5.4 per observer. Siskins were reported at only 38% of the feeders, but the average per report was 14.2 birds – substantially more than the next highest, American Goldfinch.
The increase in siskins, referred to as an irruption by ecologists, is extraordinary and hasn’t been seen in the past 13 years of feeder watching. The causes of this increase are complex and possibly reflect an increase in siskin numbers, a failure in their winter food supply, or a combination of the two and other factors. The ability to compare this year’s results with our long-term record points to the value of the Focus on Feeders effort. We couldn’t do this without your help!
- Goldfinch numbers were also up substantially in 2009 as the number per observer nearly doubled from 2008. Despite the increase in numbers of birds per observer for goldfinches and siskins numbers reported for many species were down in 2009. Eurasian Starling reports continue at a reduced rate, and Black-capped Chickadee sightings decreased by approximately 15%.
- As always care should be taken before drawing conclusions from what may be short-term and minor fluctuations in numbers.
- Some interesting patterns are beginning to emerge, and we will continue to provide more detailed analysis of these results in upcoming posts to our web site. Starlings appear to be experiencing a long-term decline in feeder numbers. We will be filtering our database for those participants who have been reporting since 2004 and focus our analysis on changes in those feeder reports.
- We had another wet winter, with lots of snow and rain, and generally cold temperatures. Winter finches (grosbeaks and redpolls) and Bohemian Waxwings were reported once again in Massachusetts, but numbers were down compared to last year. Redpoll reports, for example declined by 75%, but were still more abundant than the long-term average.
- Thanks to your participation, our winter feeder database continues to grow. The current Focus on Feeders program dates from 1997, and the updated rank order of birds visiting feeders since 1997 can be found in this table (pdf)
We would like to hear from you! Please let us know how we can continue to improve this program and increase participation.
Please ask your neighbors to join in the fun! The more participants we have, the more valuable the data. A 2001 US Fish and Wildlife Service survey indicated that more than 1,000,000 people in Massachusetts feed birds! We set a record for participation in 2009, and we would like to continue to grow the numbers of reports. Help us smash the 1,000 report barrier in 2010.
Our participants reported that they feed birds an average of 12 months of the year. The majority feed sunflower seed, followed by suet, thistle and mixed seed. Most shop for bird food at grocery stores, but many support our conservation efforts by purchasing bird feeding supplies and equipment at the Audubon Shop and our wildlife sanctuaries.
Did you participate?
Of the nearly 1,000 people who took part in this event, more than 65% were Mass Audubon members — we'd like to thank our members for their support as well as their participation!
Did your community participate? How many different species were seen in your region and around the state? Find out by viewing our participation and species distribution maps.
Want to learn more about birds and birding?
More than 250 participants, members and non-members alike, told us they had taken a Mass Audubon birding program — browse our upcoming birding programs at your local sanctuaries. If you are interested in other ways to get involved in Mass Audubon's bird conservation work there are many opportunities:
- Coming May 15-16 is our annual statewide Bird-a-thon, a fun 24-hour search for species, which raises important funds for our statewide wildlife and habitat protection efforts.
- Mass Audubon’s Oriole Project is seeking citizen scientists to help build a database about the breeding status of these magnificent birds, and ensure they will be a permanent part of our landscape. Help us find American Kestrels and Whip-poor-wills, too!
- Focus on Feeders takes place every February, but you can record your bird sightings throughout the year with Mass Audubon’s eBird, our online birding tool.
Additionally, more than 90% of you reported that they had visited a Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary. With 47 spectacular sites from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and the Islands, Mass Audubon offers many wonderful opportunities for bird watching, hiking, paddling and other outdoor activities.
And the photo contest winners are...
Thanks to everyone who sent in photographs! From the most humorous to the most interesting, check out this year's photo contest winners below.
Categories are:
1. Best Overall Photo
David Parish, Winter Glow (Cardinal in the Snow)
2. Most Interesting Feeding Behavior
Ruth Pierce, Ravenous Raptor (Cooper’s Hawk and Starling)
3. Most Unusual Bird
Ginny Harris, Fancy Seeing you Here (White-winged Crossbill)
4. Most Humorous Feeding Behavior
Karen Omerod, Night Stalker (Common Raccoon)
View Past Results: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003
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