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By the Hawkesbury Gazette
Have you got 20 minutes to spare this week? That’s all it takes to be part of one of Australia’s biggest citizen science projects the Aussie Bird Count, which runs from October 20 to 26.
Organised by BirdLife Australia, the annual event invites people of all ages to step outside, enjoy nature, and record the birds they see. Whether it’s from your backyard, balcony, paddock, park, or local bushland, every count helps scientists understand how our bird populations are faring across the country including right here in the Hawkesbury.
The Hawkesbury is one of the most bird-rich regions in New South Wales, with everything from rainbow lorikeets and magpies to king parrots, rosellas, honeyeaters, and black cockatoos regularly spotted across local suburbs and farmland.
By joining the count, locals contribute valuable data that helps conservation scientists track how bird populations are changing over time. Especially as urban growth, floods, drought, and bushfire recovery reshape our landscapes.
BirdLife Australia uses the data to identify trends and to advocate for better protection of habitats, including those along the Hawkesbury River, Kurrajong foothills, the mountains and Colo River, and Yarramundi wetlands.
“Every bird count tells a story,” said BirdLife Australia spokesperson Dr Anne Lomas.
“It might seem like a small contribution, but when tens of thousands of people around the country take part, it becomes one of the most powerful citizen-science datasets we have.”- Dr Anne Lomas
Last year, more than 57,000 Australians counted over four million birds, with the Rainbow Lorikeet once again topping the national list. Hawkesbury residents can help show how our local mix compares, and maybe put the bellbird or sulphur-crested cockatoo higher on the charts.
This year, the Hawkesbury Gazette encourages readers to make it a community activity invite your neighbours, involve your local school, or team up with your bushwalking or gardening group. Share your photos and sightings on social media using #AussieBirdCount and tag @TheHawkesburyGazette so we can feature some of your local observations in next week’s edition.
So grab your binoculars, pour a cuppa, and step outside. Whether you see one bird or a hundred, your 20 minutes could make a real difference in helping protect the birds that make the Hawkesbury such a vibrant, living landscape.
How to Take Part
- Register online at aussiebirdcount.org.au or download the free Aussie Bird Count App.
- Choose your spot — a backyard, farm, reserve, schoolyard, or riverside picnic area.
- Spend 20 minutes counting every bird you see or hear.
- Submit your count using the app or website.
You can do as many counts as you like throughout the week, in different places or times of day — the more data, the better.
For more information, visit aussiebirdcount.org.au or download the Aussie Bird Count App from your app store.
