Break out the binoculars as BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count takes 11th flight

Break out the binoculars, get into the outdoors and listen for the sound of birdsong because the Aussie Bird Count is coming back to roost.

BirdLife Australia’s biggest citizen science event of the year is making its 11th return across Australia and needs volunteers.

From October 14 to 20, Australians are asked to get outdoors — in their gardens, a patch of bush or a local wetland — and spend 20 minutes identifying birds.

The count helps BirdLife Australia gather data on species around the country, with “chief bird nerd” and senior public relations adviser Sean Dooley saying 60,000 Australians counted more than 3.5 million birds last year.

“Over the last decade, the Aussie Bird Count has helped Australians better understand the birds we share our lives with, providing an annual snapshot of how our birds are faring,” he said.

“People tell us every year about how much they love taking part in the Aussie Bird Count. People of all ages genuinely enjoy spending 20 minutes watching birds because it’s a relaxing and rewarding thing to do.

“Having the Aussie Bird Count app to guide you means you don’t have to be a bird expert to join in the fun.”

Mr Dooley said the results over time had been surprising, such as seeing the iconic white ibis breaking into the national top 10 and introduced birds such as the common myna slipping down the rankings.

“So far the rainbow lorikeet has reigned supreme as Australia’s most frequently counted bird year after year,” he said.

“Now we’re looking to see what the next 10 years will mean to the birds around us.”

To take part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count, register at aussiebirdcount.org.au and download BirdLife Australia’s free Aussie Bird Count app.