From Monday, October 19 to Sunday 25 October, Temora locals are being asked to stop, look and listen for our feathered friends as part of this year’s Aussie Bird Count, the country’s largest citizen science event during National Bird Week. Now in its 13th year, the annual count organised by BirdLife Australia invites people to spend 20 minutes observing and recording the birds they see locally. Participants can count as many times as they like during the week, as long as each count lasts 20 minutes and is submitted separately. Each 20-minute count contributes to a national picture of Australia’s birds. For bird enthusiasts, the count is a seasonal highlight during an ideal time to observe the diversity of birds in the region. From common backyard visitors to rare travellers from further afield, the count includes every species and every level of birdwatching experience. BirdLife Australia, the national bird conservation charity behind the count, describes the event as an important step towards connection between people, place and purpose. It’s about spending time outdoors and learning something new about your local environment, while observing nature. All data is submitted via the free Aussie Bird Count app, which also helps with bird identification. Locals have no shortage of stunning locations to choose from for their counts, as the shire’s neighbourhoods are home to an incredible variety of bird species. Some of the top birdwatching hotspots in the area include Ingalba Nature Reserve, Lake Centenary, Reefton State Forest and Springdale Travelling Stock Reserve. With more than a decade of data gathered, the results can provide BirdLife Australia with insights into trends in urban bird populations, contributing to a data set that helps to guide future awareness campaigns, conservation priorities and community education. BirdLife Australia CEO, Kate Millar, said birds are indicators of environmental health. “One in six Australian bird species is now under threat, so taking note of the birds around us has never been more important,” she said. “It’s also often a first step on a longer journey of curiosity, from noticing birds to caring about them and from caring to protecting. “Whether you’re a regular birder or someone who just enjoys the occasional kookaburra laugh or lorikeet fly-by, everyone across the country, pause, step outside and count the birds that share their skies, gardens and daily walks.” In last year’s Bird Count, the Australian Magpie swooped into top spot as the bird Australians see the most. One in every two surveys completed in last year’s event included a sighting of the iconic black-and-white bird. Across the week, 621 different bird species were observed. The Rainbow Lorikeet claimed second position on the list of most commonly spotted species, ahead of the native Noisy Miner, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and the Magpie-lark. The Rainbow Lorikeet was the most numerous species counted, with regular sightings of colourful flocks, resulting in more than 535,000 individual birds added to the count. For more details and to join the Aussie Bird Count, download the Aussie Bird Count app at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au There is also a prize for those who register for the Aussie Bird Count and submit a count. You will go into the draw to win one of five pairs of OM System 10×50 S Binoculars – each valued at $279.
