About the Population Count Volunteer role

Every two years, BirdLife Australia’s Beach-nesting Bird team coordinates a national population count, with the primary aim of counting Hooded Plovers.

Hundreds of volunteers simultaneously survey thousands of kilometres of coastline on a given weekend in November. This provides the best possible estimate of how many Hoodies there are in eastern Australia.

Population Count Volunteers play an integral role in helping threatened beach-nesting birds by monitoring local populations and raising public awareness.

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As a Population Count volunteer, you will:

• Participate in the population count during the allocated timeframe.
• Record your sightings on paper data sheets and submit sheets to your regional coordinator.
• Enter data onto the Birdata Portal.

This count is a great way to help threatened beach-nesting birds, particularly if you are unable to commit to anything more regular or involved.

Population Count Volunteer requirements

As a Beach-nesting Birds Population Count Volunteer, you will need:

• Good fitness
• A keen eye
• Record-keeping skills

This role doesn’t require a lot of training but you will need to complete a short, online induction. You may like to survey your local beach or put your hand up to travel further afield and survey a more remote section of the coast.

Who is this role suited to?

If you love birds and the beach, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! We welcome:

• Bird enthusiasts who enjoy birdwatching
• Experienced birdwatchers who want to make a difference in beach-nesting bird populations
• Citizen scientists and conservationists

Where can I take part?

Coastal regions of Australia.