The Aussie Bird Count is back this October
BirdLife Australia is calling on all Australians to join tens of thousands of others taking part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count. Now in its eleventh year, the national Aussie Bird Count is one of Australia’s biggest and most beloved citizen science events – and all you need to get involved is your phone.
MEDIA RELEASE
23 September, 2024
From the 14th to the 20th of October, Australians of all ages and experiences will be stepping outside, heading outdoors to a patch of green space, be it their backyard, park or local wetland, and having fun getting to know their local birds, while helping BirdLife Australia collect information about the birds around us.
“Last year, over 60,000 people counted more than 3.5 million birds ‒ but we’re hoping this year might be our biggest yet,” said Sean Dooley, BirdLife Australia’s “chief bird nerd” and Senior Public Relations Advisor.
“Over the last decade, the Aussie Bird Count has helped Australians better understand the birds we share our lives with. It has provided an annual snapshot of how our birds are faring.
“There have been some surprises along the way with the Australian White Ibis (aka the Bin Chicken) breaking into the national top ten while the notorious introduced Common Myna has slipped down the rankings. So far the Rainbow Lorikeet has reigned supreme as Australia’s most frequently counted bird year after year.
“But as well as the bird numbers it gives us, people tell us every year about how much they love taking part in the Aussie Bird Count. People of all ages genuinely enjoy spending 20 minutes watching birds because it’s a relaxing and rewarding thing to do. Parents and grandparents love doing Aussie Bird Counts with their kids and last year we had over 800 schools participate.” said Sean.
“Having the Aussie bird Count app to guide you means you don’t have to be a bird expert to join in the fun. People love it and feel great knowing their sightings are going to BirdLife Australia who are working hard to conserve Australian birds and their habitats.
“We have learned a lot from the hundreds of thousands of Aussies that have taken part in the Count over the past decade. Now we’re looking to see what the next ten years will mean to the birds around us – what changes will we see?”
To take part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count, register at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au and download BirdLife Australia’s free Aussie Bird Count app. From the 14th to the 20th of October, spend 20 minutes in one spot watching birds, using the super-easy app to count them.
“This year we would love people to get their friends and family involved. Get your flock together for a count, we know you’ll love getting to know the birds right on your doorstep.”
BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries
Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au.
Bird images are available here.
Sean Dooley is available for interviews
Sean’s bio: To many Australians, Sean Dooley is known simply as “The Birdman” due to his regular appearances across ABC and commercial radio across the country talking about birds as well as appearances on The Project, Gardening Australia and Weekend Sunrise. An author, former national birdwatching champion and BirdLife Australia’s National Public Affairs Advisor, Sean has been a leading voice for bird lovers around Australia. With a background in TV comedy writing and a passion for conservation, Sean offers unique insights into the intersection of environmental advocacy and popular culture.
