The 2025 Aussie Bird Count, one of Australia’s largest citizen science events, returns today and runs to Sunday 26 October.
To help national bird conservation charity BirdLife Australia take an annual, national snapshot of birds, take 20 minutes out of your day to spot, identify, and count the birds around you.
“Every count matters,” says Sean Dooley, from BirdLife Australia. “Every time someone stops to notice a bird, even a common one, that’s a moment of connection.
“Whether you’re taking part from your local park, backyard or through one of the many local community activities, bird watching is a simple activity that can bring connection and joy. Communities that care about nature are communities that protect it.”
To take part:
- Register at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au
- Pick your spot – anywhere you like, from your backyard to your favourite park or garden
- Spend 20 minutes quietly observing birds
- Submit your count using the free Aussie Bird Count app, which will help you identify the birds you see and hear
“It’s not about being a bird expert,” Mr Dooley said. “It’s about spending time outdoors and discovering something new about your local environment. The Aussie Bird Count shows how citizen science can bring families and communities together while deepening our understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife.
“Birds are considered indicators of environmental health, and one in six Australian bird species is now under threat. Citizen science can play a vital role in filling the gaps between professional surveys and helping communities take ownership of conservation.
“The Aussie Bird Count is a simple 20-minute activity that can become an annual family tradition to encourage observation skills and appreciation of nature that can last a lifetime.”
Last year, more than 57,000 participants submitted nearly 130,000 checklists and logged more than 4.1 million birds across the country. The top three birds were the rainbow lorikeet, noisy miner, and Australian magpie.
“Whether participants are seasoned birders or people who simply enjoy spotting a kookaburra or a flock of lorikeets, the count offers an accessible way to engage with the environment and take part in protecting it,” Mr Dooley said.
