Davis is one of the board directors at the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society and says the FeederWatch Program is a very valuable tool for helping scientists track birds.

Project FeederWatch is operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada. According to a press release, bird watchers are needed to help see if the varying numbers of different birds through the seasons and years reflect changes in the environment, including global climate change.

``You do not have to be a scientist to help,’’ says Davis.

Project organizers say anyone with an interest in birds can take part in the data collection. FeederWatch is conducted by people of all skill levels and backgrounds, including children, families, individuals, classrooms, retired persons, youth groups, nature centers and bird clubs, according to the project’s website, birds.cornell.edu/pfw.

Project organizers say FeederWatchers count the birds at their feeders each week and send information to the Lab of Ornithology. FeederWatchers have helped document unusual bird sightings, winter movements, and shifting ranges of some bird species over the past 20 years, according to the release.

``Being a FeederWatcher is easy and fun, and at the same time helps generate the world’s largest database on feeder-bird populations,’’ says project leader David Bonter. ``Since we started in 1987, nearly 40,000 people have submitted observations, adding up to well over 1.5 million checklists.’’

Davis, who has watched birds since he was about 10 years old, says the project is not just about data collecting. He says it also allows participants to learn a lot more about birds and their behaviors.

Some of the most dramatic changes revealed by data collected during two decades of Project FeederWatch may be related to changes in climate.

``We are seeing hummingbirds turning up much farther north than usual during winter,’’ says Bonter. ``Warblers and other insect-eaters are also lingering longer into the northern winter, possibly because of warmer temperatures. Bird count data gathered in the coming years will really help us focus on these trends and what might be causing them.’’

Davis says be believes the long-term shifts of birds through the seasons and the years is most likely due to climate change; however, it has not been proven.

Davis says he has noticed birds moving farther north. He mentioned three birds in particular, the Turkey Vulture, the Red-bellied Woodpecker and the Northern Cardinal.

`` As climate warms, we are expecting there will be a change in the distribution of birds unfortunately,’’ says Davis.

Recent mild winter conditions may be contributing to the northward range movements of several nonmigratory species. Project FeederWatch data has shown that the Carolina Wren, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal and Tufted Titmouse have all expanded their ranges several hundred miles to the north in recent decades. Some migratory hawks are also remaining farther north in the winter. Reports of Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks have increased across the northern tier of the continent in recent years.

Project FeederWatch data also shows drastic declines in Evening Grosbeaks across the continent.

Davis says the Grosbeak used to be prevalent in the far north, but seems to be moving south.

``This is the reverse of what the others are doing,’’ says Davis. ``We are not sure why it is happening. Possibly it is changes in food supply or habitat.’’

While Grosbeak populations are declining, other species are booming, according to FeederWatch data. FeederWatchers in the southeastern United States reported record high numbers of Yellow-rumped and Pine warblers. Reports of woodpeckers of all kinds are increasing across the northeastern quadrant of the continent. Northern Flickers and Anna’s Hummingbirds are climbing up the list of the top 25 most-reported birds in the Pacific Northwest. .

Davis says he finds it hard not to feel discouraged about the changes being discovered.

``If political and industrial leaders cannot figure out a way to control global warming, it will only get worse and worse,’’ says Davis.

Davis says there are all sorts of things happening to birds besides the change in environment. He says there has been an enormous change in habitat, a huge increase in deaths by cats and a boost in birds flying into windows. Another concern, according to Davis, is the use of wind farms. He says wind farms may increase bird deaths.

This year’s Project FeederWatch will begin on Nov. 10 and continue through April 4. To learn more about the project or to register, visit www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw or call the lab toll-free at (800) 843-2473.

There is a $15 annual participation fee, $12 for lab members.

Participants will receive the ``FeederWatcher’s Handbook,’’ an identification poster of the most common feeder birds in their area, a calendar, complete instructions and the FeederWatch annual report, ``Winter Bird Highlights.’’