The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is on again from October 23 to 29.
Spring has well and truly sprung, and birds are singing and nesting – ready to be counted for BirdLife Australia's fourth annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
BirdLife Australia has operated since 1901 as an independent, not-for-profit bird conservation organisation.
The #AussieBirdCount is a great way to connect with the birds in your backyard, no matter where your backyard might be.
It only takes 20 minutes and the data collected helps BirdLife Australia to better understand the birds living where people live.
Keeping in line with other BirdLife Australia bird surveys and having everyone counting for the same time means the data BirdLife Australia receives will be more scientifically robust.
However, if you can’t count for 20 minutes you can still submit a checklist.
People are encouraged to do each 20-minute count from a central point and all birds counted are within a maximum 80-metre radius or an area of about 100m by 200m.
Birds are more active at dawn and dusk.
Participate as many times as you like but a separate checklist will need to be submitted for each 20-minute count, and each time you change location.
There is a Field Guide/Bird Finder built into the app and on the website to help identify birds. When looking at the bird try to note its size, shape and colour, which will allow the app to give you the most accurate choices.
There are 400 of the more common ones available. If you are still unsure after referring to a field guide, leave the bird out. If you can accurately ID the bird’s calling, you can include it in your count, even if you don’t see it, but if unsure, leave it out.
If you can accurately identify the bird/s flying overhead, you can include it in your count.
To get involved, register your interest as a counter at www.birdlife.org.au, or download the free Aussie Bird Count app from Google Play or the iTunes app store.
You can also submit your counts through the website if you prefer not to use a smartphone or tablet to take part.
And as an incentive, there are great prizes to be won.
