Registrations are now open for the 11th annual Aussie Bird Count, running from 14th to 20th October 2024! It’s the perfect excuse to kick back in your favourite outdoor spot and spend time bird watching.

 

Whether it’s your backyard, a local park, the beach, or even your town centre, participating in the Aussie Bird Count is a great way to connect with nature and put your bird knowledge to the test. Plus, you’ll be helping Birdlife Australia, the nation’s largest bird conservation charity, keep track of our feathered friends – which in turn tells us about the health of our environment.

Join thousands of Australians in spotting and counting local birds in this yearly event. In 2023, over 60,500 participants counted 3,608,545 birds! The count happens in spring each year as it’s when birds are most active and visible, making it the ideal season to join in and learn more about wildlife right on your doorstep.

 

Gouldian Finch, bird, photo by Laura Wolf on flickr

Gouldian Finch | Photo by Laura Wolf on Flickr

How To Get Involved

  1. Register as a counter at Aussie Bird Count
  2. Download the free Aussie Bird Count app on your smartphone. (Google Play / Apple Store)
  3. Between the 14th – 20th of October, head outside, start the timer on the app for 20 minutes, and count the number of birds of each species you see within the timeframe
  4. Enter your location and submit your sightings via the app

You Don’t Have to be an Expert Twitcher to Participate

Can’t identify a bird? The app’s bird-finder tool will help you spot the species like a pro, or search for common birds within your area. You can submit as many counts as you like, as each submission provides valuable insights into our bird populations and trends. The data collected will support BirdLife Australia’s efforts to protect our native birds. 

Don’t have a smartphone? You can also submit your count on the webform via Aussie Bird Count. 

 

2 Weeks Picking Up Rubbish in the Coral Sea, Eva Davis-Boermans, a seabird and it's chick

A seabird and its chick | Photo by Eva Davis-Boermans

Win Big!

By joining the Aussie Bird Count, you’ll also have a chance to win a OM System Digital Camera package, complete with  OM-1 Mark II Camera Body and M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS Lens — a prize worth over $5,798!

So, head out, enjoy some fresh air, and make your bird count!

 

Dryandra Woodlands National Park Western Australia – Where Numbats Roam, Lisa Ikin, scarlet capped robin, bird sitting on a tree stump

Scarlet Capped Robin | Photo by Lisa Ikin

 

Feature image by Ayla Rowe

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