Australians will step into their backyards from October 23 to 29 for the event, which collects data to assist BirdLife Australia in understanding more about birds which coexist with humans.

With three years of data from the counts already collected by Australian birdwatchers, BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley says the results provide a picture of how our birds are faring, both locally and across Australia.

“We are fortunate to have a wonderful array of birds in Australia, many that can’t be found anywhere else in the world,” Mr Dooley said. 

“The information we collect from the Backyard Bird Count each year not only shows how much Australians care about birds, but also provides clues to what’s happening with different bird species.”

Whether you’re a committed bird watcher or simply enthusiastic about conserving the environment and native wildlife, the bird count is a fantastic way to connect with birds and nature, no matter where your backyard might be – a suburban backyard, rural property, local park, forest, beach or city.

One of our favourite birds provides the iconic Aussie bush soundtrack:

Mr Dooley says the Aussie Bird Count has helped countless Australians discover the birds that share their backyards by making it easier to identify the birds they see.

“The great thing about using the Aussie Bird Count app (which also functions as a bird guide and bird finder) is that it makes it possible for anyone to participate and have fun discovering the birds that share their favourite outdoor spaces,” Mr Dooley said.

Participants can count as many times as they like over the week, as long as each count is for 20 minutes, which is the standard period for a BirdLife Australia bird survey. 

Keeping the time period consistent with other BirdLife Australia bird surveys and having everyone counting for the same time means the data received will be more scientifically robust, allowing it to be used in conservation efforts.

However, BirdLife Australia wants everyone to head outside, enjoy the birds and take part, so if you can’t count for 20 minutes you will still be able to submit a checklist. 

There is two ways to have your count recorded.  Either submit your results through the online web form, which is available at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au  from Monday, October 16, or submit the checklist via the Aussie Bird Count App.

The app is available for download on iphone, ipod and android.  Simply head to Google Play or itunes app store and download for free.