Join the Aussie Backyard Bird Count

From students to managers, children to grandparents, in urban, suburban and rural locations, a passion for birds is a pastime that has long connected Australians.

From 21-27 October 2019, Council is asking the local community to join thousands of other Aussies in helping BirdLife Australia count the birds that share their backyards, farms, rivers and parks urban, rural and regional backyards as part of the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count, being held during National Bird Week.

Using the specially designed app, which helps people identify local birds based on size, colour and location, the aim is to count more than 12,000 local birds in seven days.

The count, which has risen in popularity over the past five years to become one of Australia’s largest citizen science projects, gives Australians a chance to take a break from their busy everyday lives and spend 20 minutes in their favourite outdoor spaces.

Support for the bird count came from Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke.

“In 2018, locals recorded 162 species, with Aussie favourites like Magpies, Galahs, and Rosellas seen all across the region”, he said.

“We hope to count even more local birds this year”.

Leading the diverse range of counters across the country will be BirdLife Australia’s Chief Bird Nerd, Sean Dooley, who says BirdLife Australia has noticed a broader range of people contributing to the count since it began.

“The Aussie Backyard Bird Count continues to attract a diverse range of counters from young families teaching their children about nature to retirees using birds as a great excuse to explore Australia,” Mr. Dooley said.

Council will also be hosting a guided bird walk at Mount Panorama with local expert Tiffany Mason on Sunday, 27 October at 8.00am.

The updated Aussie Bird Count app allows everyone to take part anywhere—not just backyards, but in local parks, botanical gardens, schoolyards or beaches—wherever you might see birds.

The national total will be updated in real time, and the app allows you to see which species are being seen in your local area.

People are encouraged to post photos and messages via social media via hashtags #AussieBirdCount and #bathurstbirdcount.

For more information, to register or download the app visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

To RSVP for the guided bird walk visit www.facebook/sustainablebathurst, or call Environmental Officer, Joel Little, on 6333 6217.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer