Meet our 2025 Aussie Bird Count Ambassadors Our all-star line-up of ambassadors (and fellow bird lovers) includes comedians, animators, scientists, senators, birding celebrities and gardening superstars. From 20–26 October 2025, they’ll be watching, counting and recording birds with us — and spreading the bird word across their socials. Give them a follow and count along this Bird Week! Costa Georgiadis Author, landscape architect, environmental educator, television presenter and the friendly face of ABC’s Gardening Australia. Though he needs no introduction, Costa Georgiadis is an Australian landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter, and the much-loved host of one of the ABC’s most iconic and Logie award-winning programs, Gardening Australia. Costa has an all-consuming passion for plants and people, and knows how to bring out the best in each. He’s also a long-time friend and supporter of BirdLife Australia and the Aussie Bird Count. Count with Costa on Facebook and Instagram. Geraldine Hickey Bird photographer and stand-up comedian. Known from I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Thank God You’re Here, Geraldine’s cult-favourite Bird Calendar celebrates her bird photography with witty captions that highlight her humour and passion for nature. Count with Geraldine on Facebook and Instagram. David Pocock Independent Senator for the ACT, former Wallabies captain and proud Gang-gang Cockatoo enthusiast. You might know him as an Australian politician or as one of our rugby greats – but David Pocock is also a proud bird lover and conservationist. Over a stellar rugby career spanning 15 years, David captained the Wallabies and served as Vice-Captain for the Brumbies before retiring. A passionate advocate for climate action and conservation, David was elected as first Independent Senate candidate for the ACT in 2022 – where his favourite bird, the Gang-gang Cockatoo, is the faunal emblem. Count with David on Facebook and Instagram. Kirsty Costa Bird lover, educator and host of the Weekend Birder podcast. Kirsty Costa is the creator of Weekend Birder – a podcast and online guide made for anyone curious about the birds around them. She’s a science educator, conservationist and birdwatcher who loves connecting with others through nature. Kirsty’s birding life began in her local wetlands, where a chance encounter with a Latham’s Snipe sparked a lifelong curiosity. She’s been learning and wondering ever since. Listen to Weekend Birder podcast and count with Kirsty on Instagram. Hannah Moloney Gardening Australia host, educator, author, landscape designer and birdwatcher. Hannah Moloney lives in Nipaluna/Hobart. She’s the Tasmanian host for ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, a permaculture educator, community worker, designer and best-selling author. She’s spent the past two decades getting her hands dirty in the garden, with community change projects, political and front-line activism. Hannah’s most excited when she’s working with people and landscapes – this is her happy place and where she is most useful for the world. Hannah’s always been fond of birds, but in recent years they have completely captured her heart while bushwalking in various places across Australia. “They’re conduits between people and place – little blurs of colour and sound inviting us all into the landscape to experience it more fully. They’re friends in waiting – if you’re patient enough to sit and sit and sit some more.” – Hannah Moloney. Count with Hannah on Facebook and Instagram. Dr. Kylie Soanes Urban ecologist and conservation scientist, Kylie Soanes is a research fellow at the University of Melbourne. Kylie Soanes is an urban ecologist and conservation scientist who works to fill our cities with nature. Her absolute favourite kind of project to work on is one that helps provide habitat for wildlife in urban environments and helps more people get up close and personal with nature in their neighbourhood. As a self-confessed chronic nature-noticer, Kylie can’t help but point out her latest wildlife observation to literally anybody who will listen – but it all started with birds. Once you notice how much life shares our cities, it’s hard to unsee it, and it’s that initial noticing that helps us change the way we interact with and care for the world around us. That’s why I’m so proud to be an ambassador for the Great Aussie Bird Count. – Dr. Kylie Soanes Count with Kylie on Instagram and TikTok. Bridget from The Wildlife Twins Wildlife educator and conservationist. “Bridgey Didge” is one half of the Wildlife Twins, and loves teaching people about wildlife. As a little tacker, she always loved animals, but it was at university studying wildlife science, where Bridget met passionate and over enthusiastic bird watchers, who inspired her to also watch birds! “I am by no means a bird expert. But I love learning more about them and seeing species I have never seen before. Seeing a bird fly by and flicking through the pages of the field guide is honestly thrilling! The mystery until the identification is something you just have to try yourself!” Count with Bridge on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Dr. César Puechmarin Wildlife veterinarian, photographer, author and host of Death by Birding and Every Animal Ever. Dr César Puechmarin is a wildlife veterinarian, wildlife photographer and author. He is also the host of the popular nature and birdwatching podcast Death by Birding and science/comedy podcast Every Animal Ever – two of Australia’s top science podcasts. “The Aussie Bird Count is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s a great opportunity for me to bully my non-birder friends into picking up a pair of binoculars. It’s like the gateway drug of birdwatching.” – Dr. César Puechmarin Listen to the Death by Birding podcast or the Every Animal Ever podcasts online and count with Cesar on Instagram and TikTok. Spencer Hitchen Conservationist, Environmental Educator and award-winning Nature Photographer. Meet Spencer Hitchen, a 14-year-old dynamo on a mission to safeguard wildlife and wild places from the brink of extinction. His journey began with the inception of Save Sunrise Glossies, gathering 86,000 signatures to protect the Wallum Ecosystem. Armed with a camera and unwavering passion, he utilizes his photography and keen observations to convey the vital importance of protecting habitats and nature’s wonders. In 2023, Spencer initiated World Stand UP 4 Nature Day on September 9, 2023, a global platform showcasing the amazing people around the world who are standing up for our planet’s last wild places. That same year, Spencer was invited by the Jane Goodall Institute Australia to meet and present to Dr Jane Goodall during her Reasons for Hope tour, later creating his Save Sunrise Glossies calendar with support from Dr Jane’s Roots & Shoots program and the Noosa Biosphere. His work is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact a single individual, no matter their age, can have on the world. “Together as a collective, we can all make a difference”. – Spencer Hitchen. Spencer Hitchen with Dr Jane GoodallCount with Spencer on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Subscribe to Spencer’s mailing list on his website for updates and help protect Black-Cockatoo habitat by submitting your sightings via the portal. Stella Donnelly Singer-songwriter and environmental advocate. Stella Donnelly is an Australian singer-songwriter whose music has connected with audiences around the world. Away from the stage, Stella has been a passionate supporter of wildlife conservation, particularly projects that protect native bird habitats. Growing up between Wales and Western Australia, she developed a deep love for the natural environment — a theme that often finds its way into her songwriting. Over the years, Stella has volunteered with and fundraised for local environmental initiatives, from coastal clean-ups to native tree planting, and has recently partnered with BirdLife Australia to raise awareness and funds through her national tour. She’s committed to using her platform to inspire connection, curiosity, and care for Australia’s birdlife and the ecosystems that sustain them. Count with Stella on Instagram and Facebook. Ruby Gill Musician, writer and bird enthusiast. Ruby Gill is currently on tour around Australia, so will be counting birds from the desert somewhere. Ruby Gill is an award-winning musician by night and a bush lover by day. Her penchant for birds began in her homeland of South Africa, with a paradise flycatcher in the yard, and has shown up everywhere since, from her lyrics and poems, to her science communication job, complex excel spreadsheet lists of birds she’s seen and early morning walks as far into the forest as one can go. Ruby visited the Broome Bird Observatory in October – watch on Instagram. “I’ve always loved this practice of noticing, and the way it makes me pay attention to everything in nature, and how it’s all changing, including myself.” – Ruby Gill. Ruby visiting the Broome Bird Observatory – October, 2025 Count with Ruby on Instagram. Gabriel Porritt Conservationist, science communicator and radio producer. Gabriel is a conservationist and science communicator. He started out down the academia path, studying ecology, journalism, palaeobiology, and political science in undergrad before completing a Master of Conservation Science. For the last six years, he has co-hosted and produced the weekly science show ‘Know Idea’ on Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. He also makes wildlife and conservation videos on TikTok which have reached millions of people. He does all of it side-by-side with his long-term partner and collaborator @petamarine . Count with Gabriel on Instagram and TikTok. Emily Wurramara Award-winning singer-songwriter, storyteller and environmental advocate. Photographed by Tony Mott An important voice in Australia’s musical landscape, multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara has amassed over 30-million streams, and counting, on Spotify alone. A Warnindhilyagwa woman from Groote Eylandt, Emily writes and sings in both English and Anindilyakwa language. She’s a powerful storyteller and performer, regularly sharing stages with renowned artists including the late uncle Archie Roach, Michael Franti, Mavis Staples, Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins and Thelma Plum. When Emily’s universally acclaimed second album NARA (meaning “nothing” in Anindilyakwa language) won Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 2024 ARIA Awards, she became the first Indigenous woman to take out this category since the award’s inception in 1987. NARA went on to win NIMA Album Of The Year shortly afterwards. A six-time Queensland Music Award winner, Emily is also a passionate advocate for environmental issues, mental health awareness and youth suicide prevention. Follow Emily on Instagram and Facebook. Join in the fun! The 2025 Aussie Bird Count runs from 20–26 October.
Costa Georgiadis Author, landscape architect, environmental educator, television presenter and the friendly face of ABC’s Gardening Australia. Though he needs no introduction, Costa Georgiadis is an Australian landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter, and the much-loved host of one of the ABC’s most iconic and Logie award-winning programs, Gardening Australia. Costa has an all-consuming passion for plants and people, and knows how to bring out the best in each. He’s also a long-time friend and supporter of BirdLife Australia and the Aussie Bird Count. Count with Costa on Facebook and Instagram.
Geraldine Hickey Bird photographer and stand-up comedian. Known from I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Thank God You’re Here, Geraldine’s cult-favourite Bird Calendar celebrates her bird photography with witty captions that highlight her humour and passion for nature. Count with Geraldine on Facebook and Instagram.
David Pocock Independent Senator for the ACT, former Wallabies captain and proud Gang-gang Cockatoo enthusiast. You might know him as an Australian politician or as one of our rugby greats – but David Pocock is also a proud bird lover and conservationist. Over a stellar rugby career spanning 15 years, David captained the Wallabies and served as Vice-Captain for the Brumbies before retiring. A passionate advocate for climate action and conservation, David was elected as first Independent Senate candidate for the ACT in 2022 – where his favourite bird, the Gang-gang Cockatoo, is the faunal emblem. Count with David on Facebook and Instagram.
Kirsty Costa Bird lover, educator and host of the Weekend Birder podcast. Kirsty Costa is the creator of Weekend Birder – a podcast and online guide made for anyone curious about the birds around them. She’s a science educator, conservationist and birdwatcher who loves connecting with others through nature. Kirsty’s birding life began in her local wetlands, where a chance encounter with a Latham’s Snipe sparked a lifelong curiosity. She’s been learning and wondering ever since. Listen to Weekend Birder podcast and count with Kirsty on Instagram.
Hannah Moloney Gardening Australia host, educator, author, landscape designer and birdwatcher. Hannah Moloney lives in Nipaluna/Hobart. She’s the Tasmanian host for ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, a permaculture educator, community worker, designer and best-selling author. She’s spent the past two decades getting her hands dirty in the garden, with community change projects, political and front-line activism. Hannah’s most excited when she’s working with people and landscapes – this is her happy place and where she is most useful for the world. Hannah’s always been fond of birds, but in recent years they have completely captured her heart while bushwalking in various places across Australia. “They’re conduits between people and place – little blurs of colour and sound inviting us all into the landscape to experience it more fully. They’re friends in waiting – if you’re patient enough to sit and sit and sit some more.” – Hannah Moloney. Count with Hannah on Facebook and Instagram.
Dr. Kylie Soanes Urban ecologist and conservation scientist, Kylie Soanes is a research fellow at the University of Melbourne. Kylie Soanes is an urban ecologist and conservation scientist who works to fill our cities with nature. Her absolute favourite kind of project to work on is one that helps provide habitat for wildlife in urban environments and helps more people get up close and personal with nature in their neighbourhood. As a self-confessed chronic nature-noticer, Kylie can’t help but point out her latest wildlife observation to literally anybody who will listen – but it all started with birds. Once you notice how much life shares our cities, it’s hard to unsee it, and it’s that initial noticing that helps us change the way we interact with and care for the world around us. That’s why I’m so proud to be an ambassador for the Great Aussie Bird Count. – Dr. Kylie Soanes Count with Kylie on Instagram and TikTok.
Bridget from The Wildlife Twins Wildlife educator and conservationist. “Bridgey Didge” is one half of the Wildlife Twins, and loves teaching people about wildlife. As a little tacker, she always loved animals, but it was at university studying wildlife science, where Bridget met passionate and over enthusiastic bird watchers, who inspired her to also watch birds! “I am by no means a bird expert. But I love learning more about them and seeing species I have never seen before. Seeing a bird fly by and flicking through the pages of the field guide is honestly thrilling! The mystery until the identification is something you just have to try yourself!” Count with Bridge on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Dr. César Puechmarin Wildlife veterinarian, photographer, author and host of Death by Birding and Every Animal Ever. Dr César Puechmarin is a wildlife veterinarian, wildlife photographer and author. He is also the host of the popular nature and birdwatching podcast Death by Birding and science/comedy podcast Every Animal Ever – two of Australia’s top science podcasts. “The Aussie Bird Count is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s a great opportunity for me to bully my non-birder friends into picking up a pair of binoculars. It’s like the gateway drug of birdwatching.” – Dr. César Puechmarin Listen to the Death by Birding podcast or the Every Animal Ever podcasts online and count with Cesar on Instagram and TikTok.
Spencer Hitchen Conservationist, Environmental Educator and award-winning Nature Photographer. Meet Spencer Hitchen, a 14-year-old dynamo on a mission to safeguard wildlife and wild places from the brink of extinction. His journey began with the inception of Save Sunrise Glossies, gathering 86,000 signatures to protect the Wallum Ecosystem. Armed with a camera and unwavering passion, he utilizes his photography and keen observations to convey the vital importance of protecting habitats and nature’s wonders. In 2023, Spencer initiated World Stand UP 4 Nature Day on September 9, 2023, a global platform showcasing the amazing people around the world who are standing up for our planet’s last wild places. That same year, Spencer was invited by the Jane Goodall Institute Australia to meet and present to Dr Jane Goodall during her Reasons for Hope tour, later creating his Save Sunrise Glossies calendar with support from Dr Jane’s Roots & Shoots program and the Noosa Biosphere. His work is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact a single individual, no matter their age, can have on the world. “Together as a collective, we can all make a difference”. – Spencer Hitchen.
Spencer Hitchen with Dr Jane GoodallCount with Spencer on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Subscribe to Spencer’s mailing list on his website for updates and help protect Black-Cockatoo habitat by submitting your sightings via the portal.
Stella Donnelly Singer-songwriter and environmental advocate. Stella Donnelly is an Australian singer-songwriter whose music has connected with audiences around the world. Away from the stage, Stella has been a passionate supporter of wildlife conservation, particularly projects that protect native bird habitats. Growing up between Wales and Western Australia, she developed a deep love for the natural environment — a theme that often finds its way into her songwriting. Over the years, Stella has volunteered with and fundraised for local environmental initiatives, from coastal clean-ups to native tree planting, and has recently partnered with BirdLife Australia to raise awareness and funds through her national tour. She’s committed to using her platform to inspire connection, curiosity, and care for Australia’s birdlife and the ecosystems that sustain them. Count with Stella on Instagram and Facebook.
Ruby Gill Musician, writer and bird enthusiast. Ruby Gill is currently on tour around Australia, so will be counting birds from the desert somewhere. Ruby Gill is an award-winning musician by night and a bush lover by day. Her penchant for birds began in her homeland of South Africa, with a paradise flycatcher in the yard, and has shown up everywhere since, from her lyrics and poems, to her science communication job, complex excel spreadsheet lists of birds she’s seen and early morning walks as far into the forest as one can go. Ruby visited the Broome Bird Observatory in October – watch on Instagram. “I’ve always loved this practice of noticing, and the way it makes me pay attention to everything in nature, and how it’s all changing, including myself.” – Ruby Gill. Ruby visiting the Broome Bird Observatory – October, 2025 Count with Ruby on Instagram.
Gabriel Porritt Conservationist, science communicator and radio producer. Gabriel is a conservationist and science communicator. He started out down the academia path, studying ecology, journalism, palaeobiology, and political science in undergrad before completing a Master of Conservation Science. For the last six years, he has co-hosted and produced the weekly science show ‘Know Idea’ on Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. He also makes wildlife and conservation videos on TikTok which have reached millions of people. He does all of it side-by-side with his long-term partner and collaborator @petamarine . Count with Gabriel on Instagram and TikTok.
Emily Wurramara Award-winning singer-songwriter, storyteller and environmental advocate. Photographed by Tony Mott An important voice in Australia’s musical landscape, multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara has amassed over 30-million streams, and counting, on Spotify alone. A Warnindhilyagwa woman from Groote Eylandt, Emily writes and sings in both English and Anindilyakwa language. She’s a powerful storyteller and performer, regularly sharing stages with renowned artists including the late uncle Archie Roach, Michael Franti, Mavis Staples, Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins and Thelma Plum. When Emily’s universally acclaimed second album NARA (meaning “nothing” in Anindilyakwa language) won Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 2024 ARIA Awards, she became the first Indigenous woman to take out this category since the award’s inception in 1987. NARA went on to win NIMA Album Of The Year shortly afterwards. A six-time Queensland Music Award winner, Emily is also a passionate advocate for environmental issues, mental health awareness and youth suicide prevention. Follow Emily on Instagram and Facebook.
