The Aussie Bird Count is on right now – 17-23 October 2022!

(Image – wedge tailed eagle. Source: Wikimedia: Ed Dunens)

The Aussie Bird Count is an activity for all ages that involves observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether that’s in your garden, the local park, a beach, your school or even your own town centre. By taking note of the birds you’ve seen in a 20 minute period, you will help BirdLife Australia develop an understanding of local birds whilst getting to know the wildlife on your doorstep.

The Aussie Bird Count also aims to engage school communities in the natural world while getting to know the birds in your local schoolyard through participation in a simple, fun, all-ages activity that can be done anywhere.

Image – ring neck parrot. Source: Wikimedia: Damien Esquerre

By taking part in the Aussie Bird Count, the students will become citizen scientists. Citizen science creates opportunities for students to connect with the natural world, gain scientific skills, and learn about topics such as life cycles, habitats, adaptations, and interrelationships.  This can be a gateway to many exciting discoveries and creates a partnership between the students and professional scientists to help answer questions scientists couldn’t answer on their own.

There is lots of information on the website including answers to some Frequently Asked Questions., like ‘what if I can’t identify one of the birds?’ or ‘what if I hear a bird but don’t see i?  Read more here:

https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/

BirdLife Australia is the nation’s largest bird conservation organisation. As an independent charity, our purpose is to stop extinctions. We have run the Aussie Bird Count since 2014, alongside our range of different programs, with the aim of protecting Australia’s birds. BirdLife Australia has been Australia’s voice for birds since 1901 and with our specialised knowledge and the commitment of our extensive network of members, volunteers and supporters we are creating a bright future for Australia’s native birds.