Written by Palmetto Bluff
Sep 22, 2025
Here in the Lowcountry, the Conservancy brings FeederWatch to life with guided sessions at the Conservancy’s bird feeders. Education and Outreach Manager Aaron Palmieri leads these gatherings, teaching attendees how to identify wintering species, choose the right seed mix, and use apps like iNaturalist to track species.
FeederWatch is a seasonal bird-counting initiative organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. From November through April, participants across North America keep track of the birds that visit their feeders. A citizen-science project, it’s a grassroots way to collect important data, revealing population trends and helping scientists understand how birds are responding to habitat change, climate, and other environmental shifts.
It’s birdwatching with a purpose.
The sessions aren’t just about jotting down numbers; they’re about slowing down, looking closer, and building a deeper connection to the wild chorus that shares our backyards. Technology plays a role, too, with a variety of birding apps available on your phone.
“The apps I recommend for bird watching are eBird and Merlin. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology operates both. Ebird allows you to submit checklists of the birds you see while out birdwatching, which can be viewed in a global database. Meanwhile, Merlin is a helpful app that can identify the bird sounds you hear in your backyard.”
Aaron Palmieri, Education and Outreach Manager
Why It Matters
Every chickadee, cardinal, or warbler that’s spotted and recorded becomes part of a much larger story. Data from Palmetto Bluff flows into a continent-wide network of observations, helping scientists monitor the health of bird populations over time.
For participants, it’s a way to turn a hobby into action. Instead of simply enjoying the sights and sounds at the feeder, you become part of a global community of observers helping answer real scientific questions.
Feederwatch is a recurring event for the Conservancy, offering numerous opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Check the event calendar for upcoming outings.
See you out there!
