Even in the dead of winter, when Oswego feels frozen solid and colorless, there is still movement at SUNY Oswego’s Rice Creek Field Station.

From November through April, birdwatchers gather at Rice Creek to participate in Project FeederWatch, a nationwide citizen science program run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The goal is simple: count the birds seen at feeders and report the data. Standing inside the viewing room at Rice Creek, watching snow fall past the windows, the process feels quiet but purposeful.

The birdwatching sessions take place every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Room 121 at Rice Creek Field Station. 

Tim McMonagle, a naturalist at Rice Creek, explained how the winter counts work.

“We watch the birds that hang in the area and do not migrate,” McMonagle said.

The program focuses on species that remain in the area throughout the winter months. Because they stay local, consistent observation allows volunteers to track patterns in activity, feeder traffic and behavior over time. The birdwatching sessions operate fairly independently. Inside the viewing room, positioned directly beside the outdoor feeder stations, a tally sheet is placed on a table for participants to record their observations. Visitors quietly watch through the large windows and write down the highest number of each species seen at one time. The atmosphere is calm and self-directed, with individuals scanning tree branches and feeder posts at their own pace.

At the same time, support is available for those who are new to birdwatching. McMonagle said staff members assist beginners in identifying species and understanding what distinguishing features to look for. Binoculars are provided in the room, helping participants catch small but important details, from color markings to feeding behaviors.

The tally sheet for Feb. 14, 2026 offered a clear snapshot of winter activity. Observers recorded 25 chickadees moving quickly between branches and feeders. There were 24 cardinals, 17 nuthatches and 15 goldfinches also counted. Three blue jays also made an appearance that day.

The sheet includes more than bird observations. There is a designated section for mammals, recognizing that feeders attract additional wildlife. On Feb. 14, a red squirrel was recorded, likely taking advantage of fallen seed beneath the feeders. Including mammals reflects the broader ecosystem that surrounds the feeding stations.

Project FeederWatch requires participants to count birds over two consecutive days and submit the highest number seen at one time for each species. Those counts are entered into a larger database used by researchers to track winter bird populations and shifting distribution patterns across North America. Data collected at Rice Creek contributes to that broader scientific effort.

Inside the viewing room, quiet conversation drifts between observers as they compare notes or softly point out movement near the feeders. The space feels like a quiet community builder, a place for people to gather together with a shared purpose but without pressure or noise. At the same time, it offers something more personal. 

Between tallies and sightings, there is room to sit silently, watch the snow fall and be alone with your thoughts. The calm rhythm of birds arriving and departing makes the room feel both connected and restorative, a rare combination during the long winter months.

Even in the coldest months, Rice Creek remains active. The feeders draw steady wildlife, and the quiet work of observation continues throughout the winter season.

For more information about how to participate or submit bird counts, visit the Project FeederWatch website at feederwatch.org.