Get the itch to twitch

BIRDWATCH from your backyard during National Bird Week, October 21 to 27.

The annual Backyard Bird Count encourages people to contribute to animal data collection in a simple, flexible way.

Observing a specific a location for 20 straight minutes, whether it be the garden or another space in their neighbourhood, residents can note the species and amount of birds they sight.

Within the week, people are encouraged to complete the 20 minutes in as many locations as they like.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said the count is great for all ages.

“The program aims to educate people about the benefits of healthy bird numbers and encourage people to provide bird friendly spaces in their gardens,” she said.

“The #AussieBirdCount is a great way to connect with the birds in your backyard no matter where your backyard happens to be… A suburban backyard, a local park, bushland, or on a CBD street.”

Submit results at aussiebirdcount.org.au.