Get to know neighbouring birdlife

THE Aussie Bird Count is back for its twelfth year, with registrations now open for the citizen science initiative running from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October.

The annual event which began in 2014 celebrates diverse native birdlife, from magpies and fairy wrens to cockatoos, curlews and honeyeaters.

Last year more than 57,000 participants across the country joined the count logging more than 4.1 million birds.

BirdLife Australia invites people of all ages to take just 20 minutes out of their day to spot, identify, and count the birds around them.

Participants can pick their spot, whether it’s their backyard, a favourite park or garden.

Counts are then submitted using the Aussie Bird Count app, which helps to identify the birds seen and heard.

Participants can go out and count as many times as they like during Bird Week as long as each count lasts 20 minutes and is submitted separately.

BirdLife Australia national public affairs manager Sean Dooley said the national bird conservation charity uses the count to connect people and places with a purpose.

“It’s not about being a bird expert,” he said. “It’s about spending time outdoors and learning something new about your local environment.

“The Aussie Bird Count shows how citizen science can bring families and communities together while contributing to our understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife.

“A simple 20-minute activity can become an annual family tradition that teaches everyone about observation and nature.”

Results from the count guide future awareness campaigns, conservation priorities, and community education.

“Birds are indicators of environmental health,” said Birdlife Australia CEO Kate Miller.

“One in six Australian bird species is now under threat, so taking note of the birds around us has never been more important.

“It’s also often a first step on a longer journey of curiosity, from noticing birds to caring about them, and from caring to protecting.

“Whether you’re a regular birder or someone who just enjoys the occasional kookaburra laugh or lorikeet fly-by, we’re inviting everyone across the country to pause, step outside, and count the birds that share their skies, gardens, and daily walks.”

The Aussie Bird Count encourages everyone to get to know their local birds

“Every count matters,” said Mr Dooley. “Every time someone stops to notice a bird, even a common one, that’s a moment of connection.

“Whether you’re watching rainbow lorikeets on your balcony, ducks in your local pond, or fairy-wrens darting through your backyard, we want everyone to experience the joy birds bring.

“Communities that care about nature are communities that protect it.”

Anyone interested can download the free Aussie Bird Count app or visit aussiebirdcount.org.au to register.