National bird count set to take flight next month with registrations open for prospective citizen scientists

Australia’s biggest national bird count is set to take flight for its 12th year next month, with registrations open for any prospective citizen scientists. The return of spring has brought with it BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count, with the conservation organisation inviting people of all ages to take just 20 minutes out of their day to spot, identify and count the birds around them. The national count takes place from October 20 to 26, with participants able to join from anywhere in Australia. Last year, more than 57,000 participants submitted nearly 130,000 checklists and logged more than 4.1 million birds across the country using Birdlife’s Aussie Bird Count app with the rainbow lorikeet, noisy miner, and the humble Australian magpie topping the charts nationally. BirdLife Australia’s national public affairs manager Sean Dooley said it was not about being a bird expert, but about spending time outdoors and learning something new about the 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,” he said. “A simple 20-minute activity can become an annual family tradition that teaches everyone about observation and nature.” With more than a decade of data, the Aussie Bird Count results can provide BirdLife Australia with insights into trends in urban bird populations, contributing to a dataset that helps to guide future awareness campaigns, conservation priorities and community education. BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said birds were indicators of environmental health. “One in six Australian bird species is now under threat, so taking note of the birds around us has never been more important,” she said. “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.” Mr Dooley said every moment taken over the month matters. “Every time someone stops to notice a bird, even a common one, that’s a moment of connection,” he said. “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.”