Aussie Bird Count

No matter where you are, there are birds all around you. Whether you’re in the bush, on a farm, in the mountains, on the beach or even in city streets, there are birds, and they’re just waiting for you to see them. And no matter where you are, BirdLife Australia wants you to join in the third annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 17 – 23 October.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count begins this week and  BirdLife Australia is calling on all Australians to join the count and head into their favourite outdoor spaces.

Whether you do it with a friend, in a group, or by yourself, everyone who counts the birds around them will help BirdLife Australia reach its target of counting 1.5 million birds in 7 days.

It’s fun, but it has a bigger purpose:to get a picture of what’s happening to Australian birds  across the country.

BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley says that just like our Aussie birds, birdwatchers come in all shapes and sizes, from school kids to retirees, novices to experts.

“We share our backyards with an impressive array of birds and are very fortunate that their feathers come from all spectrums of the rainbow,” Sean said.

“And just like our birds, birdwatchers can come from an incredible range of backgrounds.”

The Aussie Bird Count app is free and available to download now, allowing people to count anywhere there are birds.

Last year, more than 42,000 people right across Australia took time out to enjoy the birds around them, counting more than 1 million birds.

The result: the Rainbow Lorikeet took out the number one spot for the second year running.

Let’s see what happens in 2016. Download the free app or join the count at aussiebirdcount.org.au.

It’s easy! Results will be updated daily throughout the Count, 17 – 23 October.

Start spreading the word with #AussieBirdCount. For events and activities during National Bird Week visit aussiebirdcount.org.au

Photograph by Andrew Silcocks