The Great Glossy Count is a citizen science event that collects data across the distribution of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo (also known as ‘Glossies’). Participant citizen scientists spend one hour (or more) at any time during the Count weekend exploring their selected survey site to collect data on Glossies and their feeding habitat. Citizen scientists can join the Count as a group or bring a friend along for a great opportunity to enjoy time in nature while supporting the recovery of threatened birds.
Data collected during the Count will support vital bushfire recovery and conservation work for Glossies by informing actions to manage their habitat.
You can review all our Glossy videos, downloadable pdf resources, and information on any upcoming training workshops here.
The Great Glossy Count takes place across south-eastern Queensland, eastern NSW, the ACT and eastern Victoria. See below for a full South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo distribution map.
You can take part any time between sunrise and sunset on either Saturday or Sunday (or both days).
We suggest you spend at least one hour (ideally a few) at your survey site. We encourage you to spend as much time as you can exploring your survey site and Glossy habitat; the more comprehensively you can cover your survey site, the better.
Registrations and survey site booking for the Great Glossy Count 2024 are now closed. You can still record your Glossy Black-Cockatoo observations at any time using the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo Program in Birdata.
Read our FAQs for the Great Glossy Count for answers to commonly asked questions about who can take part, survey sites and identification of birds and their feed trees.
Who can take part?
Anyone who can safely collect data at their selected survey site(s) for one hour (or more) on one or both days of the Count can take part. BirdLife Australia will provide training materials and instructions to teach volunteers how to identify Glossies and she-oak trees, and guidance on how to collect data safely.
How long do I need to collect data for?
We ask volunteers to spend at least one-hour collecting data at their survey site, though you can collect data for as long as you like.
What is a survey site?
Within the distribution of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo, survey sites comprise 1 km2 areas (1km x 1km) which support suitable habitat (that is, typically in forested areas with an abundance of she-oaks), or where Glossies have been recorded previously.
Volunteers can choose to collect data at a suggested survey site, or select their own survey site if they are aware of other locations which have evidence of Glossies being present.
Can I collect data outside the Count weekend?
Yes. Data collected outside of 7–8 September 2024 is valuable, but will not be included in the ‘Great Glossy Count’ dataset.
You can record Glossy Black-Cockatoos and she-oaks in the Birdata app or on the Birdata website at any time, using the ‘SE Glossy Black-Cockatoo’ program in Birdata.
Can I collect data as part of a group?
Yes, we encourage volunteers to take part in the Count with a friend or in a group.
The first person to book a particular survey site will receive a booking code that can be shared with others, so that the others can join the booking. All group members must register for the Count and pass the Glossy quiz in Birdata to participate in the Count.
How can I learn to identify and record data on Glossies and their feed trees?
How do I register for the Count?
To take part, you will need to register and book a survey site, using the link at the top of this page (available when registrations are open).
Registrations and survey site bookings will close at 6pm on the last day of the Count (Sunday 8 September 2024). This means you can register and book a survey site on the weekend of the Count itself.
Why am I getting an error message when I try to register?
Please make sure you are registering via the correct link (available at the top of this page when registrations are open). If you are already logged into Birdata, the correct link should take you directly to register and manage your booking.
Is there a guide on how to register and book a site?
Yes! Find it here: How to register and book a site in Birdata.
I have registered for the Count, what should I do next?
First, learn how to identify and record data on Glossies using our resources. Second, pass the Glossy quiz and then book your survey site(s) in Birdata. Glossy resources available here.
Can I cancel my registration or change my survey booking(s)?
You can cancel your registration or change/book additional survey sites at any time. You can see which sites are still available to survey right up until the end of the Count. This means you can make changes or book additional sites on the day if you find yourself with some extra time (or need to cancel at the last minute).
How many survey sites can I book?
You can book up to four survey sites per day. Please contact us at glossybc@birdlife.org.au if you wish to book more than four survey sites.
I know a site that has Glossies/chewings; why isn’t it listed as a suggested site?
Suggested ‘priority’ sites (represented by orange grid cells when booking a survey site) are there to help guide volunteers to surveying a suitable site based on a certain set of criteria. We acknowledge that these suggested sites may not cover all current active Glossy sites.
If you are aware of a suitable location not marked as ‘priority’ in Birdata, you are most welcome to survey that site(s) instead.
What should I bring and what should I do when I arrive at my data collection site?
Please see our guide: How to participate in a Glossy Count.
How long do I need to spend collecting data for the Count?
What time should I collect data during the Count?
You can collect data at any time after sunrise and before sunset. Some people like to go in the morning and afternoon when the birds are most active, and some collect data at multiple sites. See our guide: How to participate in a Glossy count.
How do I record Glossies or feed trees?
What if I don’t see any Glossies or feed trees?
Please record this; the absence of birds and their feed trees are valuable data. You can view our web portal and mobile app guides on how to record your data in Birdata (including ‘zero’ data), or view our guide: How to participate in a Glossy Count.
What should I do if I am unsure whether my bird is a Glossy Black-Cockatoo?
What if I suspect the same individual bird has re-appeared in my site?
Record your observation and make a note in the “Comments” section that you think it might be the same bird you recorded previously, and where you saw it.
If possible, take a photo or video of any birds you see. Birdata allows you to upload photos, which can help the Glossy team verify your sighting. You can also email any photos or videos to the Glossy team at glossybc@birdlife.org.au, but uploading any photos into Birdata is preferable.
What if I can’t connect to the internet from my site?
You can use the Birdata app without an internet connection. Data will be uploaded once your internet connection is re-established. If your map doesn’t load properly (e.g., the map shows up as white), don’t panic as the GPS location will still be recorded. You can click your location and check the grid cell name to confirm you are in the correct grid cell. If you cannot use Birdata on your device, you can print data collection sheets available here.
The South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo was recently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under Australian legislation and is at risk of further population decline after losing large areas of feeding habitat in the bushfires of 2019–20.
Glossies feed almost exclusively by taking the seeds from the cones of she-oak trees (Allocasuarina and Casuarina). These trees must be protected to maintain a food source for populations of Glossies, thereby reducing the impacts of bushfires and other threats.
Data about Glossies and their feeding habitats are vital for planning bushfire recovery and conservation action. Citizen scientists who join the Great Glossy Count collect data to identify Glossy feeding habitats, so it can be protected and restored.
The 2019–20 bushfire season, known as ‘Black Summer’, was catastrophic for Australian birds and their habitats. BirdLife Australia’s Bushfire Recovery Program aims to improve conservation outcomes for birds most imperiled by the fires.
South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos had around 38% of their range impacted by the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires. This project supports the post-bushfire recovery of the species in East Gippsland by protecting their short-term food supplies and increasing their long-term food security.
The Glossy Project – Coffs Coast is a citizen science initiative which supports the bushfire recovery of South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos and their habitats on the Coffs Coast in NSW.
