Looking for a fun nature activity to do with your kids? Sign up for the Aussie Bird Count. From October 20 to 26, BirdLife Australia presents the 12th annual Aussie Bird Count which has grown to become our country’s largest annual citizen science event.
To get involved all you need is 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space, and some keen eyesight. You could count in your actual backyard, local park, school yard, down at the beach or another favourite outdoor space.
Simply record the birds you see on the Aussie Bird Count app or through the Submit a Count tab on their website. The data collected assists BirdLife Australia in understanding more about the birds that live where people live. Here are links to download the Aussie Bird Count app on App Store or Google Play.
It’s best to count the birds from one spot for 20 minutes – and see how many you can see from where you’re standing or sitting. You can count as many times as you like over the week. Bird Life Australia just ask that each count is completed over a 20-minute period.
There is never a bad time to count birds; you can count at any time of day or night. However, birds are more active at dawn and dusk, so if you choose to do your count then, you may see more birds.
Not sure what the bird is? You can use the Find a Bird function on the app to select a bird size, shape and colour to find a particular species. It’s a great way to learn more about your local birds.
You can also get your school involved in the Aussie Bird Count. BirdLife is encouraging student involvement this year, as a way to get young people outdoors to learn about our native birds.
Last year, 877 Aussie schools took part in the bird count, and BirdLife Australia would like to see that number even higher in 2024. Australia’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count statistics last year showed that more than 3.6 million birds were counted across the country, with the most counters in NSW, QLD and VIC.
The five most common birds counted Australia wide were the Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, Australian Magpie, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Welcome Swallow. You can see the numbers of birds counted and most common per state on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website in the 2024 Results section.
For more information or to sign up, visit the Aussie Bird Count website or check out the BirdLife Australia Facebook page. The Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from 20 to 26 October 2025.
This year, you can also enjoy a special Aussie Bird Count Bird Walk in the beautiful East Maitland Library park on Thursday 2 October 2025 at 4 – 5.30pm. Grab your binoculars and go on a feathered treasure hunt to spot the colourful, cheeky and chirpy birds that call the park home. This free family event is suitable for all ages.
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