Return of the Aussie Backyard Bird Count

MEDIA RELEASE 18 October 2018

Council and BirdLife Australia are calling on residents to spend 20 minutes in their backyards or local area to count the birds they see for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, part of National Bird Week 22-28 October.

Using the specially designed app, which helps people identify local birds based on size, colour and location, the aim is to count more than 2 million Aussie birds in seven days.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said the project was important for increased understanding of the health of local native bird populations and in assisting Council to better plan for long term conservation initiatives.

“It’s an opportunity to head outdoors and get in touch with nature while learning about birds in a simple, fun, all-ages activity,” he said.

“There are some great birdwatching spots in our region such as Boundary Road Reserve, the Macquarie River, Mt Panorama, Elmo Lavis Park at Raglan, Wambool Nature Reserve at Walang and the Peel Common, as well as a range of parks and reserves at Hill End, Sofala, Rockley and Trunkey Creek.”

The count follows a record-smashing Aussie Backyard Bird Count in 2017 with more than 72,000 nature-loving Australians and over 200 locals taking time out from their busy schedules to count more than 1.9 million birds. An amazing 10,575 from 158 species were counted in one week in the Bathurst region alone.

Once they’ve counted, residents can see the number of birds and species being counted nearby, with real-time updates on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count app and website.

“We are pleased to be again partnering with Bathurst Regional for our fifth Aussie Backyard Bird Count and appreciate the involvement from local bird lovers in assisting us to learn more about bird populations across Australia,” Paul Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife Australia said.

In addition to the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, a guided bird walk at Albens Reserve will be held on Sunday, 21 October at 8am. The reserve is only open to the public a few days a year so it’s a great chance to wander through this important woodland area and learn about the local bird species with Bathurst bird expert, Tiffany Mason.

Aussie Backyard Bird Count - 22 to 28 October. For more information or to download the app visit aussiebirdcount.org.au

Guided Bird Walk at Albens Reserve – 21 October at 8am. For more information or to RSVP visit www.facebook/sustainablebathurst or call Environmental Officer, Joel Little, on 6333 6217.

ENDS Media contact: Media Officer