Aussie Backyard Bird Count takes flight in Townsville

Date published: 13 October 2021

Without feather ado, Council and Birdlife Australia are kicking off this year’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

The organisations are letting residents know that a bird in the book is worth two in the bush by urging locals to spare 20 minutes from 18 to 24 October to note which birds are flittering around their backyards.

The best part is you can wing it, with no qualifications beyond registering as a counter on the Birdlife Australia website needed.

Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said this was a great activity for bird enthusiasts, students, retirees, and anyone who enjoyed the outdoors.

“To take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count you just need to spare 20 minutes to sit in your backyard, local park, or your favourite outdoor space and note down the birds you see during that time,” Cr Soars said.

“It couldn’t be easier to help Birdlife Australia collect this important data about where different bird species live across Townsville.”

Cr Soars said Townsville was lucky to be home to some incredible wildlife.

“We have an incredibly diverse spread of flora and fauna across our city, from the seaside to the wetlands and up through the ranges,” he said.

“By working with Birdlife Australia, Council’s sustainability team is able to pinpoint areas that we can help protect so that birds across Townsville can continue to flourish.”

To take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, flock to the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website to register as a counter or download the app. The count runs from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 October 2021.

For more information about sustainability in Townsville, head to Sustainability & Environment.