Report updated Mar 28, 2026
Project FeederWatch
v2.4.44Bird enthusiasts, families, educators, and citizen scientists across North America who want to contribute to bird population research while tracking their own backyard sightings.
What Is Project FeederWatch?
Launched Nov 25, 2019
Updated Jan 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
Media Gallery
Key Features
Allows users to submit bird count data directly to North America’s largest feeder-bird database for research and conservation
Tracks and visualizes personal bird sighting data in real time
Automatically synchronizes count data between the mobile app and the web version
Provides resources to identify feeder birds and learn about their food and habitat preferences
Access to a complete archive of past bird counts from all previous years
Recent User Sentiment iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate convenience of digital reporting and integrated educational content, but report app stability and freezing and login and authentication issues.”
What Users Love
It is so convenient to keep the count on our phones.
This app makes it easier to record FeederWatch data.
I like the list of suggested species for my area as well as the profiles for different birds.
I love the visual bird guides integrated into the interface.
Pain Points
The app crashes/hangs regularly on my iPhone.
App freezes often, and sometimes needs to be rebooted before a count can be submitted.
App continually logs me out everything I open it.
It keeps asking me to 'restore modal checking.' It freezes on the login screen.
Entries of species counts, interactions etc. are not saved consistently.
It keeps deleting my counts.
High confidence · 86 reviews available
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong institutional backing from Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada.
- High-value, unique data contribution model that fosters user loyalty.
- Seamless integration with a massive, established scientific database.
Cons
- Severe technical debt resulting in frequent crashes and data loss.
- Unreliable authentication flow causing high user friction.
- Low user sentiment due to poor app stability.
Market Outlook
Growth Opportunities
- Market gap for a stable, high-performance birding app that prioritizes data integrity.
- Potential to gamify the citizen science experience to increase retention.
- Expansion of educational content to attract younger, tech-savvy demographics.
Market Threats
- Competitor apps (e.g., eBird) offering superior stability and user experience.
- Loss of user trust leading to a decline in long-term participation in the FeederWatch program.
- Negative app store reviews discouraging new members from joining the program.
Key Takeaways
Project FeederWatch is a frustrating education app that is available. With a 2.7/5 rating from 157 reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate convenience of digital reporting, though app stability and freezing remains a common concern.
Best for: Bird enthusiasts, families, educators, and citizen scientists across North America who want to contribute to bird population research while tracking their own backyard sightings.
App Details & Pricing
Model: subscription
The app functions as a tool for a non-profit membership program; the fee is positioned as a contribution to scientific research, database maintenance, and educational materials rather than a traditional software subscription.
iOS Version
2.4.44
Android Version
2.4.44
Release Date
Nov 25, 2019
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Cornell University