It's time to get outdoors and discover the birdlife in your own backyard! The annual Aussie Bird Count is back from 19–25 October 2026, inviting Australians to spend just 20 minutes observing and recording the birds around them.
Organised by BirdLife Australia, this nationwide citizen science initiative provides an opportunity for everyone to contribute to our understanding of Australia's bird populations. By collecting observations from thousands of participants each year, researchers can better understand where different species occur, monitor changes in their distribution and abundance, and identify trends that may indicate changes in environmental health.
Importantly, collecting this information year after year helps build a valuable long-term dataset. Understanding which species are thriving, declining or changing their distribution is essential for informing conservation priorities and protecting Australia's biodiversity.
Last year's Aussie Bird Count saw almost 64,000 participants record more than five million birds across 621 species! And while the Rainbow Lorikeet has dominated the count since it began in 2014, our iconic Australian Magpie claimed the title of Australia's most frequently spotted bird in 2025, appearing in approximately half of all surveys.
But the Aussie Bird Count isn't just about collecting data. It's also about getting outside, slowing down and appreciating the incredible diversity of birdlife that surrounds us. Here in the Burnett Mary region, we're fortunate to share our landscapes with an extraordinary variety of birds. From the elegant dancing brolgas of our wetlands and grasslands to the unmistakable calls of the eastern koel (better known to many as the storm bird) announcing the arrival of warmer weather, and the noisy chatter of rainbow lorikeets gathering in flowering trees, our region is full of feathered characters. Whether they're familiar backyard visitors or species we only encounter occasionally, each has a place in our local ecosystems and a story worth discovering.
And you don't need to be an experienced birdwatcher to participate! The free Aussie Bird Count app includes a handy bird identification tool to help recognise unfamiliar species, making it easy for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike to get involved.
Participating is simple: choose a spot, spend 20 minutes observing the birds around you, record the species and number of individuals you see, and submit your observations through the app or website. You can complete as many counts as you like throughout the week.
So, grab a cuppa, head outside and see what feathered visitors you can discover! Every observation contributes to a greater understanding of Australia's birdlife, and every moment spent in nature is an opportunity to appreciate the biodiversity around us.
To register or find out more, visit https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/.