The Aussie Bird Count has officially started.
Australia’s largest citizen science project, the Aussie Bird Count encourages everyone to get to know their local birds and help BirdLife Australia take an annual, national snapshot of the birds around us.
It is also helping Australians to embrace the natural environment and sustainable thinking, through activities in classrooms, councils and even workplaces, with many embracing it as a learning tool, community activity and wellbeing initiative.
This national celebration of Australia’s unique and diverse birdlife starts Monday 20 October and runs until Sunday 26 October.
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.
Last year, more than 57,000 participants submitted nearly 130,000 checklists and logged more than 4.1 million birds across the country using the free Aussie Bird Count app. The Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, and Australian Magpie topped the charts in 2024.
To join in on the count, head to a spot like your backyard, or your favourite park or garden, and spend 20 minutes observing the birds around, which can then be submitted to the Aussie Bird Count app, which will help identify birds you see and hear.
BirdLife Australia national public affairs manager Sean Dooley encouraged the community to join the count.
“It’s not about being a bird expert. It’s about spending time outdoors and discovering something new about your local environment,” he said.
“The Aussie Bird Count shows how citizen science can bring families and communities together while deepening our understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife.
“Birds are considered indicators of environmental health, and one in six Australian bird species is now under threat. Citizen science can play a vital role in filling the gaps between professional surveys and helping communities take ownership of conservation.”
Mr Dooley said every count matters.
“Every time someone stops to notice a bird, even a common one, that’s a moment of connection,” he said.
“Whether you’re taking part from your local park, backyard or through one of the many local community activities, bird watching is a simple activity that can bring connection and joy. Communities that care about nature are communities that protect it.”
Details: aussiebirdcount.org.au
