WBFI Research Foundation

[BirderB at aol dot com]

Here is the message that I tried to forward earlier:
 
WBFI Research Foundation launches one  million dollar feed and feeder 
preferences study; and we're pleased to share this information with our indu
stry  
friends!
 
 
Sioux Falls,SD - 
Which wild bird feed attracts more birds? 
Thatâs the question the WBFI Research Foundation seeks to  answer th
roughout 
a three year, one million dollar study, aptly named Project  WILDBIRD. 
This landmark study is an unprecedented scientific  investigation into the 
feeding habits of wild birds across the United States and  Canada. Comprehen
sive 
research data generated by the study will provide  invaluable insight and 
guidelines for consumers regarding wild bird feed and  feeder-type preferenc
es 
during all seasons of the year in 13 eco-regions. 
A United States Government survey conducted in 2001 reported  that 54 millio
n 
Americans spend over $3 billion annually feeding wild birds and  other 
wildlife. With wild bird feeding and watching one of the fastest growing  ho
bbies in 
North America, consumers simply want to know which feed attracts  preferred 
species. 
"In order to determine which feed attracts more birds, we must  also look at
 
the various feeder styles, geographical location and seasonal  influences," 
according to George Petrides,Sr., Project Leader for the study.  "What draws
 
birds to one feeder location in Virginia may not offer the same  results for
 
feeders in Colorado." 
Project WILDBIRD is a two-phase scientific study, and began  September 22. 
"The observational approach provides a snapshot of the birds  that visit one
â
s backyard," according to Dr. David J. Horn, Ph.D, Principal  Investigator f
or 
the study. "Itâs an ideal way for backyard birders to  participate i
n the 
study, while continuing to enjoy feeding and watching birds  as they normall
y 
do." 
In the second phase, or experimental approach, participants  will be given 
feed and feeders and asked to monitor birds at feeders in a more  structured
 
manner. "The experimental approach will allow us to answer important  questi
ons 
about feed and feeder preferences of wild birds using a more  controlled 
approach," stated Horn. 
"At the conclusion of this study in 2008, weâll have definitive  ans
wers to 
these questions: what are the feed and feeder preferences of wild  birds, an
d 
are those preferences the same across different regions and through  various
 
seasons?" 
"These are extremely important questions that consumers want  answered. They
 
want to reduce wasted feed, and purchase those products that  attract more 
birds," stated Dick Hebert, President of the WBFI Research  Foundation. 
For more information on participating or contributing to  Project WILDBIRD 
visit www.projectwildbird.org .
 
 
If you have any questions about this study, or  would like further 
information, please contact:
Susan M. Hays, CMP/Executive Director
WBFI Research Foundation, Project  WILDBIRD
Telephone: 888-839-1237 
Fax: 605-275-6697 
Email: _shays@wbfi.org_ (mailto:shays@wbfi.org) 
Website: _www.projectwildbird.org_ (http://www.projectwildbird.org/) 
 

Regards,
 
Bill  Fenimore

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