The Aussie Backyard Bird Counts starts today! You’ve got until October 24th to submit your bird count. Time to get twitching!

 

Every year, Birdlife Australia hosts a nationwide citizen science initiative encouraging Aussies from every nook and cranny of the country to help piece together a greater understanding of what our feathered friends are up to.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is super easy to take part in. Just head outside, whether it’s to your backyard, local park, or somewhere further out bush, and for 20 minutes keep your eyes keenly peeled for any sign of birdlife. Record all the birds you see in the Aussie Bird Count app, including the species and number of each.  

Read more: How to Get Started Birdwatching

Spotted a bird but have no idea what species it is? The app has a big ol’ catalogue and allows you to answer a few questions about the bird’s appearance to hone in on exactly what you’re looking at. 

Don’t have a smartphone? You can submit your bird count using a form on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website instead.

Over the course of the next week, you can submit as many counts as you like, so long as each count is conducted over a 20 minute period. Plus anyone who submits a count goes in the draw to win a bunch of prizes, including cute bird artworks and even a pair of nifty binoculars.

What are you waiting for? Time to get twitching!

 

Feature photo thanks to @a.l.i.c.e.l.i.z.a.b.e.t.h