Break out the binoculars as Birdlife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count takes its 11th flight

Break out the binoculars, get into the outdoors and listen for the sound of birdsong because the Aussie Bird Count is coming back to roost.

Birdlife Australia’s biggest citizen science event of the year is making its 11th return across Australia and volunteers are needed to take part.

From October 14 to 20, Australians are needed to get outdoors in their back gardens, a patch of bush or a local wetland and spend 20 minutes identifying local birds while helping Birdlife Australia gather data on the numerous species countrywide.

Birdlife Australia’s “chief bird nerd” and senior public relations adviser Sean Dooley said last year 60,000 Australian’s took part in the count, counting more than 3.5 million birds, and this year he hopes it comes back even bigger and better.

“Over the last decade, the Aussie Bird Count has helped Australians better understand the birds we share our lives with, providing an annual snapshot of how our birds are faring,” he said.

Mr Dooley said taking part in the count is easy and Birdlife Australia had a mobile app to make the process even simpler.

“People tell us every year about how much they love taking part in the Aussie Bird Count,” he said.

“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.

“Having the Aussie bird Count app to guide you means you don’t have to be a bird expert to join in the fun.”

Mr Dooley said they have learned a lot from the hundreds and thousands of Australians who have taken part in the study in the past decade.

He said the results have been surprising, seeing the iconic white ibis breaking into the national top 10 and introduced birds like the common myna slipping down the rankings.

“So far the rainbow lorikeet has reigned supreme as Australia’s most frequently counted bird year after year,” he said.

“Now we’re looking to see what the next 10 years will mean to the birds around us.

“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.”

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.