7 Reasons to Join the Aussie Backyard Bird Count 2021

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Mon 18 Oct 2021 - Sun 24 Oct 2021

Do you want be part of something huge, something fun, something really important? Be a citizen scientist for a day or a week with what might be Australia's largest citizen science project; the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count. Last year, everyday Aussies counted more than 4.6 million birds from their own backyard or local area. Well done, Aussies! There are plenty of reasons for you to join this year's Aussie Backyard Bird Count, check them out.


1. You don't need a science skill or even a real interest in science. The thing is, the more of you who get onboard, the more successful this will be. In 2020, because this could be done even in a COVID lockdown, a record 108,000 people took part.


2. It's easy and can take as little as 20 minutes of your time. Simply put, each of you is important and needed. In October every year, everyday Aussies turn their eyes to the skies for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count and for blocks of 20 minutes at a time record all the birds they see.


3. You could win prizes for helping out. Not only will you contribute to building a valuable database but there is normally a prize draw for everybody who submits a count. At the time of writing a prize draw had not been announced. Check the website closer to the date.


4. Learn what bird that is with the free app. It doesn't matter if you know next to nothing about birds. The app for the count includes a field guide that will help you identify what you see. The Aussie Bird Count app can be downloaded for iOs devices from the Apple store and for Android devices from the Google Play store . If apps aren't your thing, you can submit your count through the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/submit-a-count/ and refer to the Birds in Backyards Bird Finder. http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder


5. This is a great opportunity to get the family involved and get the kids interested in an outdoor activity. Take the children to the local lake and count the water birds. Perhaps get a workgroup together and count in your lunchtime, gather your friends or your club. Instructions for submitting group counts can be found in the FAQs. https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/faq/


6. You will be a part of something huge! In 2020, the seventh year of the program, every day Aussies counted more than 4.6 million birds in seven days. The birds counted represented 610 species and Australia's ten most common birds, in order, were:

Rainbow lorikeet,
Noisy miner,
Australian magpie,
Sulphur-crested cockatoo,
Galah,
House sparrow,
Welcome swallow,
Silver gull,
Common myna, and
Australian white ibis.

Do you see these birds in your backyard, in your street or in the local park?


7. You will be involved in an important research project that coincides with National Bird Week to collect statistics to see how Australian birds are faring. The birds are one of the indicators of our country's environmental health. Data indicates birds in decline, shifts in populations and birds that are gaining ground. It is also an indicator of the impact of feral birds on our native bird populations. By encouraging the public to participate in this fun event it is hoped there will be an increased interest in conservation.


The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is an annual project of Bird Life Australiahttp://birdlife.org.au/ that has been running since 2014. Birdlife Australia was formed in 1901. It is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bird conservation, its primary purpose being to stop extinctions.


Registrations for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count can be made now on the website. #register ">https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/ #register Counts are for time blocks of 20 minutes and you may count as often as you wish, from anywhere you wish, and at any time of the day you wish through the week of Monday 18th to Sunday 24th of October. Participation is free and is greatly appreciated.

Full details are available from the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/ which includes all you need to be in the count, tips for bird-friendly gardening, and an entertaining blog.

#lists
#october
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#natural_attractions
#fun_things_to_do
#free
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#child_friendly
!date 18/10/2021 -- 24/10/2021
%wnmelbourne