With one in six Australian bird species now facing the threat of extinction, there’s never been a better time to take part in the Aussie Bird Count and help map how our feathered friends are faring.
The Aussie Bird Count is Australia’s largest citizen science project, inviting people of all ages to get outdoors, connect with nature, and record the birds they see. With no need to be an experienced bird watcher, it’s a fun and simple way to make a real difference — every count helps build a national picture of Australia’s bird populations.
How to Take Part
To get involved, simply spend 20 minutes counting the birds you see in your backyard, local park, school grounds, or favourite nature spot. Record your sightings using the Aussie Bird Count app or website, which includes easy bird identification tools to help you along the way.
You can do as many counts as you like during the week — every observation adds valuable data to BirdLife Australia’s research.
Resources and Learning Tools
Whether you’re a first-time counter or a seasoned bird watcher, Aussie Bird Count has plenty of free tools to help you get started.
There are handy guides on how to do the count, identifying birds by sight and sound, and how to create bird-friendly gardens.
Teachers can visit the Schools page for downloadable posters, lesson plans, and fun classroom activities — perfect for bringing the count to life with students.
You can even have a go at their Bird Quizzes to test your knowledge or find out what type of bird you are!
More Ways to Be a Citizen Scientist
The Aussie Bird Count is one of many ways to get involved in citizen science and help care for our local environment. Here are a few more projects you can join right here in the Hastings region:
Head to one of our local CoastSnap stations, line up your phone in the cradle, and snap a photo of the coastline. Each photo helps scientists track how our beaches and headlands are changing over time due to tides, storms, and sea-level rise.
Help track microplastic pollution in our waterways by joining local sampling events. Data collected through AUSMAP helps identify pollution hotspots and supports efforts to reduce plastic entering our ocean. Find your local hub here.
If you spot a koala, report it through the I Spy Koala app or website. Each sighting helps researchers and land managers better understand local koala populations, protect habitat, and plan for their future.
Together, these projects show how small actions — like counting birds, snapping a coastline, or logging a koala sighting— can make a big difference in understanding and protecting our environment.
