Join us for a community challenge: learn to sketch the birds in your backyard this winter.

The premise is simple: anyone can sketch. And when we sketch, we look at the world more closely and learn to observe details quickly and accurately. So we partnered with a citizen science project, Project Feederwatch* for their 2012-2013 season, hoping to hone our observational data-taking skills while challenging ourselves with a tried and true naturalists' pastime. And we want you to join us.

Follow these steps to sign up:

1. Fill out this sign-up form.
2. Register for your Project FeederWatch data entry kit.
3. Join the FeederWatch Forum. All FeederSketch activities and discussion will take place under the FeederSketch category on this forum site beginning November 26, but be sure to sign in and check it out as early as November 10 to find some helpful introductory information.
4. Check here for in person activities you can participate in.

*What is Project FeederWatch? Find out more here. The materials to join Project FeederWatch cost $15 USD, $35 CAD.

Who are "we"?
We are staff and educators from the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Museum of Life and Science in North Carolina. Some of us draw for fun, while others have no art background whatsoever. None of us are bird experts. We will be "learning to look, and looking to learn" together.

What is it exactly?
This free, eight-week online program accommodates a range of birders and sketchers, from novice to expert, focusing especially on the novice sketcher. We'll host observational and drawing activities each week online on the FeederWatch Forum, share our work with each other, and enjoy conversations about learning how to draw (again) as an adult and also learning to draw birds in particular.

Timing:
The official FeederWatch season runs from November 10, 2012 through April 5, 2013. We will facilitate the accompanying FeederSketch program from November 26, 2012 through January 20, 2013. We encourage you to participate in both—sign up to count birds and submit your data to the Project FeederWatch program for the whole season, as well as sketch along with us for the eight-week FeederSketch companion program.

Questions or need help registering?
Email us at .