5 reasons why you should join the Aussie Bird Count

5 reasons to join next week’s Aussie Bird Count

We’re counting down until we can get counting – and the 2024 Aussie Bird Count is just a few short days away!

From 14‒20 October, join us watching, counting and recording the birds around you – whether it’s your backyard, local park or favourite outdoor space.

With five days to go, here’s five reasons why you should join this year’s Aussie Bird Count.

1. It’s quick and easy – you only need 20 minutes to count birds.

You don’t need to be an ornithologist to take part in the Aussie Bird Count – it’s for everyone!

To take part, register as a counter via our website and download our free Aussie Bird Count app.

Then, from 14 October, simply spend 20 minutes at a time watching, counting and recording the birds that you see. Enter your location in the app (or through our online web form) and the name and number of each bird species you see, then submit your count after your 20 minutes is up.

2. It’s good for you!

We can never spend enough time outdoors, and many of us struggle to find and make time to connect with nature – especially those of us who live in urban areas. But you’re in luck! The Aussie Bird Count is the perfect excuse to leave the house or office and spend a 20 minutes of your day outdoors.

Spending time in nature and watching birds is great for your mental wellbeing. Watching birds can reduce our stress and anxiety, decrease mental fatigue and even improve our mood and cognitive functioning.

Read more about the many mental health benefits of birding here.

Each count takes just 20 minutes, so even if you’re pressed for time, you can squeeze in a quick survey at any time of day – like on your lunch break! Better yet, count with your co-workers!

3. It’s fun for the whole family.

No matter their age or experience, the Aussie Bird Count is fun for everyone.

It’s also a fantastic way to get your kids curious and excited about birds and science long after the count is over. You can count together and count from anywhere – from home, at school, in your backyard or a nearby park or any outdoor space of your choosing.

If you’re after more birding fun, check out our website for bird quizzes, bird bingo cards, bird colouring sheets and more!

4. You’ll get to know your local birds better.

Noticing birds is the first step towards caring about them – and where conservation begins. Over the past 10 years, the Aussie Bird Count has helped raise the profile of Australia’s birds, encouraging thousands of people around the country to connect with nature and get to know the birds around them. For some, it’s the beginning of a lifelong love of birds and bird conservation.

Our app has a handy built-in bird finder tool to help you identify birds you’re unsure of. Simply enter basic information about a bird and receive a list of likely candidates. Check out our What bird is that? video series for more bird ID tips and tricks for identifying common and commonly confused backyard bird species.

And if you already pay close attention to your local birds, the Aussie Bird Count is a great way to put your bird identification skills to the test.

5. It’s a great introduction to citizen science.

By joining the Aussie Bird Count, you are helping BirdLife Australia collect information about the birds around us. It provides a snapshot of Australian bird populations at the same time each year, which can help us track how bird populations are faring over time.

While you count, you’re practicing some basic surveying techniques – which means you already have the tools you need to conduct regular bird surveys and become a citizen scientist year-round. For many people, the count is their first foray into the bird world and citizen science – and often, it’s their first count of many.

Whatever your reasons for joining, we can’t wait to count birds with you this Aussie Bird Count!

Join in the Aussie Bird Count fun from 14‒20 October by registering as a counter today.