Shellharbour City Council is encouraging residents to connect with their feathered friends and participate in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is run by BirdLife Australia, the nation’s largest bird conservation organisation, and aims to help protect bird species through capturing a better understanding of the birds that live in Australia’s backyards. 

From Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October, participants can spend 20 minutes to stop and record the birds that they observe. The Aussie Bird Count app has a guide to help identify birds based on their size, colour and key features, making it easy for everyone to become involved. Results can also be uploaded through the Aussie Bird Count Website. 

Last year 2.7 million bird observations were recorded. In the Shellharbour area, there were 6,524 bird observations from 137 different species, with the top three birds most frequently observed being Rainbow Lorikeets, House Sparrows, and Silver Gulls.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count can be done in backyards or in public places like beaches, parks, and local bushland. 

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that the initiative was a fun way to contribute to important data on local birdlife. 

“Everyone can benefit from taking the time to stop, observe and appreciate our beautiful natural birdlife. It only takes 20 minutes, and with spring upon us who knows what you might spot,” Cr Saliba said. 

“Shellharbour has a range of fantastic places for spotting many different types of birds, and I encourage everyone, no matter what bird spotting skills you may have, to go out, get involved and explore,” she said.  

For more information or to become involved head to aussiebirdcount.org.au/ or download the free Aussie Bird Count app. 

Media queries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.