Ways to Help

Community Science

Counting birds isn't just for the experts!
Ways to Help

Community Science

Counting birds isn't just for the experts!

Around the world, people of all ages take part in community science programs designed to provide data for research on the natural world. Many of these programs involve observing birds and enjoying natural areas. Not only is it great fun, but when you record your bird sightings, you contribute valuable information to local, state, national, and worldwide databases that inform us about the health of our world, and guide management decisions for the future. 

Chapters across Washington are engaged in fun and important community science conservation efforts, including grouse monitoring, Pigeon Guillemot surveys, Vaux's Swift research, woodpecker conservation and more. Contact your local chapter and find out what projects they have going on - volunteers are always welcome and greatly appreciated!

Join Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the projects below and "bird with a purpose!" 

  • Christmas Bird Count - Participate in the oldest continuously collected record of birds in North America.
  • Great Backyard Bird Count - An annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are.
  • Hummingbirds @ Home - Use your smartphone to input hummingbird data in your community.
  • Project Feederwatch -  A winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America.
  • Nest Watch - Help scientists collect data on the success and failure of nesting birds.
  • Audubon Washington’s Important Bird Areas program relies on community scientists across the state.

Tweeters is the UW’s Burke Museum online record of sightings, primarily in western Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.

NW Inland Birders is geared toward birding east of the Cascades in Washington, Oregon, Idaho.

How you can help, right now